BV  1520    .L38   1916  ,924 

school 


Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 


By  Marion  Lawrance 


A  Companion  to  "Hoiv  To 
Conduct  a  Sunday  School 

*^ Special  Days "    tn   the  Sunday 

School. 

Illustrated,  I  zmo,  cloth    .     .      .     net  ^1.25 

The  well-known  Sunday  School  expert  has 
prepared  a  new  handbook  hardly  second  in  im- 
portance to  that  of  "  How  to  Conduct  a  Sunday 
School."  Abounds  in  practical  suggestions  as  to 
how  to  select  the  "  Special  Days,"  how  to  cele- 
brate them  and  how  to  make  them  profitable. 

How  to  Conduct  a  Sunday  School. 
Entirely  New  Revised  Edition — Enlarged 
and  Rewritten.      I  zmo,  cloth    .    net  ^1.25 

"  Every  superintendent,  teacher,  pastor,  officer, 
should  own  it.  A  perfect  mine  of  hints  and 
plans  from  the  most  experienced  Sunday-school 
leader  of  the  day." — Sunday  School  Times. 


The    Working  Manual  of  a  Suc- 
cessful Sunday  School. 

Paper net  .25 

Cloth net  .50 


THE    MAY   POLE 

Methodist  Episcopal  Sunday  School,  Bridgeton,  N.  J. 


SPECIAL  DAYS  IN  THE 
SUNDAY  SCHOOL 


Py  '^^■■■^-'^ 


.4 


MARION  LAWRANCE 

General  Secretary^  since  l8ggy  of  the  International  Sunday 
School  Association.  Author  of  ^*Hoiv  to  Conduct  a  Sun- 
day School^''''  ''''The  Working  Manual  of  a  Successful  Sun- 
day Schools ''  ^* Housing  the  Sunday  School^"  ^^The  Sunday 
School  Organized  for  Service,^''  etc. 


New  York        Chicago        Toronto 

Fleming    H.    Revell     Company 

London       and      Edinburgh 


Copyright,  1916,  by 
FLEMING  H.  REVELL  COMPANY 


New  York:  158  Fifth  Avenue 
Chicago:  17  North  Wabash  Ave. 
Toronto:  25  Richmond  Street,  W. 
London :  2 1  Paternoster  Square 
Edinburgh:      lOO    Princes    Street 


To  ANNIE 

my  ^^ Mother-Sister !^  who  at  eighty- 
one  years  of  age  is  still  buoyant 
with  life  and  courage^  and 
has  always  been  an  in- 
spiration to  me. 


Preface 

THE  purpose  of  this  book  is  to  furnish  to  Sun- 
day-school workers  some  practical  suggestions 
as  to  the  value  of  "  Special  Days,"  and  the 
methods  of  observing  them. 

Assistance  has  been  sought  from  many  Sunday-school 
superintendents  and  leaders  throughout  the  United  States 
and  Canada,  and  responses  have  come  from  nearly  every 
State  and  Province.  To  these  many  friends  who  have 
contributed  material,  I  wish  to  extend  my  hearty  thanks. 

The  mass  of  material  gathered  is  amazing,  both  as  to 
quantity  and  helpful  suggestion.  Since  it  is  impossible 
to  present  here  more  than  a  fraction  of  it,  the  endeavor 
has  been  to  select  that  which  would  be  most  helpful  to 
the  Sunday-school  superintendent  in  determining  the 
days  he  should  celebrate  and  the  best  way  of  celebrating 
them.  Reference  will  be  made  to  a  large  number  of 
"  Special  Days,"  as  not  all  schools  will  wish  to  celebrate 
the  same  days,  except  in  the  case  of  a  very  few  of  the 
leading  ones.  Many  of  the  days  referred  to  are  for  en- 
tertainment rather  than  for  worship  and  instruction,  and 
these  will  receive  less  attention. 

It  may  be  a  surprise  to  the  reader  to  learn  that  there 
are  probably  more  than  two  hundred  "  Special  Days  " 
being  observed  in  the  Sunday  schools  of  North  America, 
and  that  at  least  one  hundred  of  these  have  come  into 
more  or  less  prominence.  That  the  '«  Special  Day " 
feature  in  our  Sunday-school  work  has  been  largely  over- 

7 


8  Preface 

done,  there  can  be  no  doubt.  It  would  be  not  only  folly 
but  injurious  to  the  highest  interests  of  any  Sunday 
school  to  observe  any  considerable  number  of  these  days 
in  a  given  year.  Of  course,  the  two  great  feasts  cele- 
brating our  Lord's  birth  and  resurrection — Christmas  and 
Easter — should  always  be  observed ;  also,  perhaps,  Chil- 
dren's Day  and  Rally  Day. 

The  majority  of  these  "  Special  Day "  celebrations 
should  be  confined  to  the  opening  service  of  the  schooli 
in  order  that  the  Bible-study  period  may  not  be  inter- 
fered with.  Regular,  uninterrupted  Bible  study  is  the 
most  important  feature  of  Sunday-school  work. 


Chicago. 


Contents 

I.  Special  Days 15 

II.  Easter 19 

Easter  Sunday — Palm  Sunday. 

III.  Departmental  and  Related  Days   .    .   31 

Cradle  Roll  Day  (Baby  Day) — Beginners*  Day — 
Primary  Department  Day — ^Junior  Department  Day 
— Intermediate  Department  Day — Secondary  Boys* 
Day — Secondary  Girls'  Day — Boy  Scout  Day — 
Girl  Scout  Day— Adult  Bible  Class  Day- 
Mother's  Day — Father's  Day — Parents*  Day — 
Men's  Day — Father-and-Son  Sunday — Old  People's 
Day  (Old  Folks'  Day) — Home  Department  Day — 
Officers'  Day. 

IV.  Rally  Day 67 

(Home-Coming  Day,  Roll  Call  Day,  Every 
Member  Present  Day). 

V.  Anniversary  Days 79 

Anniversary  Day — Children's  Day — Thanksgiving 
Day  (Harvest  Home  Day) — Installation  Day — 
Labor  Day — Old  Year  Day — New  Year's  Day. 

VI.  Recruiting  Days 107 

All-To-Gether  Sunday — Every  Member  Present 
Day — Star  Class  Day — Banner  Class  Day — Bring 
One  Day  (Double-Up  Day,  Go-Get-'Em  Day, 
Get-One  Day) — Full  Attendance  Day — Five  Hun- 
dred Day — Neighbor  Day — Round-Up  Day — Roll 
Call  Day — Nev^  Members'  Day  (Reception  Day) 
—  Go  -  To-Sunday  -  School  Day— Go  -  To  -  Church 
Day. 


lo  Contents 

VII.     Good  Fellowship  Days      .        .        .         .118 
Birthday  Sunday — Visitors'  Day — Old  Carol  Day 
— Music     Day — Song     Day — Welcome     Day — 
Pennant  Day — Reminiscent  Day — Strangers'  Day 
— Church  Day — St.  Valentine's  Day  (Heart  Day). 


VIII.  Recreation  Days 128 

Picnic  (Field  Day) — May  Day — Swinging  Festi- 
val—Parade Day  (Big  Walk  Day). 

IX.  Patriotic  Days 137 

Patriotic  Day  (Flag  Day,  Independence  Day, 
Dominion  Day) — Good  Citizenship  Day — Deco- 
ration Day  (Memorial  Day) — Peace  Day — Wash- 
ington's Birthday  —  Lincoln's  Birthday  —  Lee's 
Birthday. 

X.  Folk  and  Fraternal  Days  .        .         .144 

Alumni  Day  —  Home-Coming  Day  —  Reunion 
Day — Sweet  Memory  Day — Shut-Ins'  Day — 
Farewell  Sunday — Pastor's  Day — Superintendent's 
Day — Teachers'  Day — Christian  Endeavor  Day 
— Epworth  League  Day — Baptist  Young  People's 
Union  Day — Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
Day — Young  Women's  Christian  Association  Day 
— World's  Sunday  School  Day  —  International 
Sunday  School  Association  Day  (Organized  Sun- 
day School  Work  Day). 

XL      Educational  Days 154 

Education  Day — College  Day — Day-School  Day 
— Vocation  Day — City  Institute  Day  (Com- 
munity Institute  Day,  Community  Training 
School  Day) — Teacher  Training  Day — Con- 
vention Sunday  (Echo  Sunday) — Bible  Day — 
Book  Day — Exhibit  Day — Equipment  Day — 
Honor  Day — Inspection  Day — Inventory  Day- 
Standard  Day — Promotion  Day. 


Contents  1 1 

XII.  Missionary  Days 171 

Missionary  Day — Home  Missionary  Day — For- 
eign Missionary  Day — Freedmen's  Day — Immi- 
gration Day. 

XIII.  Benevolence  and  Reform  Days        .        .176 

Benevolence  Day — Pledge  Day — Temperance 
Sunday — Anti-Saloon  Day — Anti-Cigarette  Day 
— Save-The-Boy  Sunday — National  Child  Labor 
Day — City  Beautiful  Day — Tree-Planting  Day 
— Tuberculosis  Day — Fresh-Air  Sunday — Hos- 
pital Day — Post-Card  Day — New  Testament 
Day. 

XIV.  Miscellaneous  Days  .        .         .        .195 

Flower  Day — Newspaper  Day — Visiting  Day 
(Calling  Day) — On  Time  Day — Go  Forward 
Day — Picture  Day — Surprise  Sunday — Story 
Day — Red  Letter  Day — Visitation  Day — Candle 
Day — Home  Day — Dedication  Day — Lord's 
Day  Sunday — Bird  Sunday — Governors'  Day. 

XV.  Evangelistic  Days 215 

Decision  Day  (Witnessing  Day,  Acknowledg- 
ment Day,  Declaration  Day,  Confession  Day, 
Enlistment  Day,  Registration  Day,  Testimony 
Dayj — Anniversary  of  Decision  Day — Forward 
Step  Day — Prayer  Day — Family  Altar  Day — 
Communion  Day. 

XVI.  Christmas 232 

Index 249 


Illustrations 


The  May  Pole    .         ,         .         , 

The  Changed  Cross 

Double  Welcome  to  Cradle  Roll 

A  Balloon  Ascension   . 

The  Commissariat  Department 

Girls'  Hoop-Rolling  Contest 

Presentation  of  the  Robert  Raikes  Diploma 

A  Well-Filled  Platform  at  a  Giving  Christmas 

A  Beautiful  Christmas  Decoration 


Frontispiece 

Facing  page 
26 

32 
128 

136 
166 
232 
242 


13 


SPEQAL  DAYS 

Old  Testament  Festivals.  The  church  has  always 
had  its  "  Special  Days."  In  early  times,  many  of  these 
days  were  accompanied  by  a  feast.  The  three  great 
festivals  of  Old  Testament  times  were  the  following : 

1.  The  Passover — Unleavened  Bread.  This  was  the 
principal  annual  feast  of  the  Jews,  and  was  instituted  in 
memory  of  the  deliverance  from  Egypt.  It  was  cele- 
brated on  the  fourteenth  day  of  the  first  month,  which 
fell  in  April  of  our  calendar.  Christ  Himself  observed 
this  feast.  After  He  instituted  the  Last  Supper,  that  was 
observed  instead,  and  is  observed  to  this  day  in  Christian 
churches.  The  Jewish  people  still  celebrate  the  Passover 
with  the  use  of  unleavened  bread. 

2.  Pentecost.  This  is  sometimes  called  Harvest, 
Feast  of  Weeks,  or  the  Day  of  First  Fruits.  It  fell  in 
June  of  our  calendar,  and  was  celebrated  on  the  fiftieth 
day  after  the  Passover — hence  the  name.  It  was  similar 
in  purpose  to  our  Thanksgiving,  following,  as  it  did,  the 
harvest  time,  which  falls  between  the  Passover  and  Pente- 
cost in  the  Holy  Land.  In  the  Christian  church,  Pente- 
cost came  seven  weeks  after  Easter,  in  commemoration 
of  the  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  the  disciples. 
This  was  really  the  origin  of  the  Christian  church. 

J.  Tabernacles — Ingathering.  This  usually  fell  in 
October,  commemorating  the  tent  life  of  the  Israelites 
during  their  forty  years  of  wandering  in  the  wilderness. 
It  was  a  feast  of  great  joy. 

15 


i6  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

The  church  observed  also  many  other  days  and  feasts ; 
for  example,  the  New  Moon,  Trumpets,  Purim,  Dedica- 
tion, etc. 

New  Testament  Festivals.  In  the  New  Testament, 
we  are  familiar  with  such  expressions  as,  "  The  great  day 
of  the  feast,"  "  For  the  day  of  that  Sabbath  was  a  holy 
day."  There  seemed  to  be  a  disposition  on  the  part  of 
the  people  to  multiply  and  magnify  feasts  and  special 
occasions,  until  they  became  such  a  formality  that  we 
hear  God  crying  out,  "  Your  new  moons  and  your  ap- 
pointed feasts  my  soul  hateth :  they  are  a  trouble  unto 
me  ;  I  am  weary  to  bear  them." 

This  same  disposition  to  multiply  feasts  and  special 
days  we  find  in  the  church  and  Sunday  school  of  to- 
day. Nevertheless,  there  is  abundant  evidence  through- 
out the  Bible  that  Special  Days  were  approved  of  God 
and  recognized  by  Jesus  Christ,  and  there  can  be  no 
doubt  that,  properly  celebrated,  they  exert  a  great  influ- 
ence for  good. 

Mention  is  made  of  these  Special  Days  of  Bible  times 
for  the  purpose  of  showing  that  they  had  an  important 
place  in  the  program  of  the  development  of  God's  people. 
They  served  to  emphasize  certain  great  truths  and,  at 
the  same  time,  to  create  a  spirit  of  loyalty  and  enthusi- 
asm that  went  far  towards  driving  away  discouragement, 
and  sustaining  with  fervor  their  religious  and  national 
Hfe. 

Special  Days  of  To-day.  The  purpose  of  Special 
Days  in  the  church  and  Sunday  school  is  the  same  now. 
Here  we  find  the  guiding  principle  underlying  their  cele- 
bration. In  other  words,  if  any  Special  Day  is  to  be 
observed  with  profit,  it  is  necessary  to  keep  prominently 
in  the  foreground  the  central  thought  which  it  is  sought 


Special  Days  17 

to  celebrate.  Christmas,  for  example,  should  celebrate 
the  birth  of  Christ,  and  if,  in  the  multitude  of  decora- 
tions, Christmas  trees,  Santa  Claus  celebrations  and  the 
Hke,  the  birthday  of  our  Lord  is  made  obscure  rather 
than  prominent,  that  day  has  not  been  worthily  cele- 
brated.    The  same  is  true  of  all  days. 

In  this  book,  a  large  number  of  Special  Days  will 
be  referred  to,  but  such  reference  does  not  necessarily 
carry  approval  with  it.  The  fewer  Sunday-school  ses- 
sions given  up  wholly  to  Special  Days  the  better.  Even 
in  the  celebration  of  the  two  days  directly  connected 
with  the  life  of  our  Lord — Christmas  and  Easter — it 
is  questionable  whether  it  is  wise  to  omit  the  appro- 
priate Bible  lesson.  In  the  days  of  lesser  importance,  it 
is  entirely  possible  to  emphasize  an  idea  in  twenty 
minutes,  or,  indeed,  in  ten  minutes,  during  the  opening 
session,  and  this,  in  a  sense,  makes  a  "  Special  Day." 
Take,  for  example.  Home  Department  Day.  The  super- 
intendent of  that  department  may  take  a  few  minutes  to 
give  a  brief  report  to  the  school  as  to  the  number  enrolled 
and  the  general  condition  of  the  work  in  the  department, 
together  with  some  specific  illustrations,  of  which  there 
are  no  lack  in  any  well-conducted  Home  Department. 
A  special  effort  should  be  made,  of  course,  to  secure  the 
presence  of  as  many  members  of  the  department  as  pos- 
sible. It  would  be  well  to  have  one  or  two  of  the  enthu- 
siastic members  give  a  brief  testimony  as  to  the  benefits 
of  the  Home  Department ;  then  the  pastor  or  superin- 
tendent of  the  school  could  speak  of  its  value  to  the 
church  and  school  from  their  standpoint,  and  urge  mem- 
bership upon  the  part  of  those  who  cannot  be  present  at 
the  school  sessions.  The  service  could  end  with  the 
presentation  of  the  school  flower  to  all  members  of  the 


l8  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Home  Department  who  are  there  on  that  day.  All  this 
could  easily  be  done  inside  of  twenty  minutes  and  not 
interfere  with  the  balance  of  the  program  for  the  day. 

The  observance  of  too  many  Special  Days,  even 
though  they  be  so  arranged  as  not  to  interfere  with  the 
lesson-study  period,  will,  without  a  doubt,  reduce  the 
interest  in  Bible  study.  The  cautionary  signal  is,  there- 
fore, raised,  and  the  suggestion  made  that  "  Special 
Days  "  be  observed  sparingly. 


II 

EASTER 

EASTER  SUNDAY 

Most  Joyous  Day  of  Year,  In  many  ways  Easter  is 
the  most  joyous  occasion  of  the  year  in  any  Sunday 
school.  Coming  as  it  usually  does  at  the  opening  of  the 
spring  time,  when  life  is  rebounding  from  the  severity  of 
the  winter  and  responding  to  the  call  of  the  bright  and 
sunny  weather,  and  celebratmg  as  it  does  the  crowning 
event  in  the  history  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  great- 
est miracle  of  the  world — it  comes  close  to  the  Christian 
heart. 

Easter  should  celebrate  the  resurrection.  In  the  church 
we  usually  have  Easter  decorations,  Easter  music,  an 
Easter  sermon,  reception  of  new  members,  etc.  This  is 
well.  In  the  Sunday  school  there  should  be  bright 
Easter  music,  an  appropriate  opening  service,  and  the 
Easter  lesson. 

Easter  Concert  at  Night,  An  Easter  concert  at  night 
is  becoming  popular.  The  days  are  longer  at  this  time 
of  year,  and  the  children  can  easily  be  secured.  There  is 
almost  an  embarrassment  of  riches  in  the  quantity  and 
quality  of  prepared  Easter  services  which  may  be  had  at 
very  low  prices.  If  the  Easter  exercises  of  the  Sunday 
school  are  confined  to  the  Sunday-school  session,  the 
evening  can  be  given  up  to  the  church  choir  for  the 
rendering  of  some  of  the  great  Easter  music. 

Decorations.     Of  course,  flowers  are  the  best  Easter 

19 


20  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

decoration.  A  flower,  especially  one  that  grows  from  a 
bulb,  such  as  a  lily,  is  the  best  representation  we  have  in 
nature  of  Easter.  Easter  lilies  are  always  to  be  desired 
if  they  can  be  obtained.  The  pure  white,  and  the  green 
of  the  leaves  and  stalk,  make  the  finest  possible  combina- 
tion for  beauty  and  suggestiveness.  Sometimes  the  day 
takes  the  name  of  a  flower,  as  Hyacinth  Easter,  when  all 
the  scholars  are  asked  to  bring  blooming  hyacinths  to  be 
arranged  in  suitable  form  upon  the  platform. 

Souvenirs.  The  printing  for  Easter  should  be  nicely 
done.  There  are  many  choice  designs.  It  is  a  good 
time  to  give  out  souvenirs.  Coming,  as  it  does,  at  the 
beginning  of  what  is  usually  the  most  largely  attended 
quarter  of  the  year,  and  having  always  a  larger  attendance 
than  ordinary  Sundays,  it  affords  an  opportunity  to  inter- 
est a  good  many  people  who  could  not  otherwise  be 
reached.  The  Moody  Church,  of  Chicago,  at  a  recent 
Easter  service  gave  out  a  Bible  book-mark  as  a  souvenir. 
This  consisted  of  a  card  bearing  the  picture  of  D.  L. 
Moody  together  with  some  appropriate  Easter  verses. 
Among  the  Perry  and  Copley  prints,  some  beautiful 
Easter  pictures  may  be  found  at  very  low  price,  suitable 
to  present  as  souvenirs. 

Missionary  Day.  Oftentimes  Easter  is  used  as  a  Mis- 
sionary Day.  Easter  of  191 3  was  observed  as  Living, 
stone  Day,  coming  as  it  did  so  near  the  centenary  of  that 
great  man. 

Passion  ^A^eek  Illustrated.  One  Sunday  school  in 
California  carried  out  at  the  school  session  the  idea  of 
Passion  Week,  beginning  with  Palm  Sunday.  Some 
of  these  days  were  illustrated  by  recitation,  others  by 
music,  and  still  others  by  both.  The  program  was  as 
follows : 


Easter  2i 


The  Triumphal  Entry 
"The  Palms"        -        -        -        .       Chorus  and  Orchestra. 

The  Passover 
Scripture:  Luke  xxii.  14-15,  19-21. 
Duet      -        -         -        ''Jesus  Spreads  His  Banner  O'er  Us." 

Gethsemane 
Scripture  :  Luke  xxii.  39-44. 
Quartette       -        -       *'  'Tis  Midnight  and  on  Olives'  Brow." 

The  Trial 
Scripture  ;  Luke  xxiii.  1-5,  20-23. 

Calvary- 
Chorus  *'  O  Calvary." 

Scripture:  John  xix.  25-27. 

Recitation     -------        "Lullaby." 

Quartette      -         -       '*  When  I  Survey  the  Wondrous  Cross." 

The  Victory 

Scripture  :  Matt,  xxviii.  i-io. 

"  Hallelujah  Unto  Jesus  "       -        -       Chorus  and  Orchestra. 

The  Ascension 
Recitation      -         .         -         -      "  Results  of  the  Ascension." 

The  Hope  of  the  Christian 
"I  Know  That  My  Redeemer  Liveth  ' '      Chorus  and  Orchestra. 

Benediction. 

A  Lily  ProcessionaL  The  Baptist  Church  of  Port- 
land, Maine,  observe  annually  what  they  call  their  Lily 
Processional.  Mr.  Noyes,  the  superintendent,  writes  of 
it  as  follows : 

"  We  have  had,  for  a  number  of  years,  what  we  are 
pleased  to  call  our  *  Lily  Processional,'  and  the  way  the 


22  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

school  takes  hold  of  it  leads  me  to  think  that  they  ap- 
prove. Weeks  before  Easter,  each  class  is  requested  to 
find  some  shut-in  or  needy  person  whose  hfe  would  be 
brightened  by  this  glimpse  of  coming  spring.  They  de- 
cide how  many  plants,  and  the  number  of  blossoms  on 
each,  they  will  purchase.  Then  they  prepare  a  class  card 
or  letter  to  be  attached  to  the  plant,  with  a  white  ribbon. 
These  are  placed  in  care  of  the  flower  committee,  in  order 
that  no  two  plants  will  go  to  the  same  place. 

"  Next,  the  class  appoints  some  one  to  represent  them  in 
the  hne  of  march,  one  for  each  plant  and  preferably  girls 
in  white,  from  twelve  to  twenty.  The  plants  are  placed 
on  two  large  pyramid  stands,  one  on  each  side  of  the 
platform,  and  produce  a  beautiful  effect.  Each  girl  is 
told  beforehand  the  exact  position  of  the  plant  she  has 
charge  of. 

"  The  classes  are  seated  together  in  the  audience  room 
of  the  church.  After  the  general  exercises  are  over,  at  a 
signal  from  the  orchestra,  each  delegate  takes  position  in 
the  aisle  beside  the  class  she  represents.  The  orchestra 
starts  the  grand  march,  and  in  single  file  they  pass  to  the 
platform,  take  their  lilies  and  pass  around  on  the  outside 
aisle  of  the  church,  making  a  complete  circle  of  Hlies. 
They  then  pass  back  to  the  class  from  which  they  started. 
When  the  last  one  is  in  position,  the  congregation  rises 
and  receives  the  benediction. 

"  The  classes  each  choose  one  to  take  the  flowers  to 
their  destination,  and,  later,  letters  are  read  before  the 
school  on  *  The  Story  of  the  Easter  Lily.'  " 

Seed  Sowing  Service.  A  "  Seed  Sowing  "  Service  is 
popular  in  some  localities.  Flower-pots  with  rich  earth 
in  them  are  arranged  on  tables  in  the  front  of  the  school, 
and,  with  appropriate  music,  Scripture  recitations,  etc., 


Easter 


23 


the  seeds  are  planted.  It  is  well  to  use  only  one  kind  of 
seed  at  a  service.  The  scholars  are  presented  with  these 
pots,  and  asked  to  bring  them  back  to  the  church  some 
Sunday  when  the  flowers  are  in  bloom,  after  which  they 
may  take  them  home  again  or  send  them  to  some  sick 
room.  A  fine  lesson  may  be  built  around  this  Seed  Sow- 
ing Service,  by  the  use  of  such  songs  as,  "  Sowing  the 
Seed,"  '*  Sowing  in  the  Morning,"  "  What  shall  the 
Harvest  be  ?  "  etc.  One  school  gave  out  tiny  chrysan- 
themum plants,  with  directions  as  to  their  care.  These 
were  returned  at  a  '*  Chrysanthemum  Show  "  in  the  fall, 
when  the  flowers  were  sold  for  the  benefit  of  the  building 
fund.     Some  schools  give  out  the  packages  of  seeds. 

The  Changed  Cross.  Perhaps  one  of  the  most  popu- 
lar and  satisfactory  methods  of  observing  Easter  is  by 
what  is  known  as  "  The  Changed  Cross."  The  writer, 
many  years  ago,  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  was  probably  the  first 
to  use  this  service.  It  is  still  being  used  there,  and  has 
been  adopted  by  many  Sunday  schools  throughout  the 
land. 

A  large  cross  is  made  of  heavy  wire  screening,  with 
meshes  perhaps  a  half-inch  square.  The  cross  stands 
six  feet  high,  with  front  and  sides  ten  or  twelve  inches 
wide,  and  the  back  open.  The  members  of  the  school 
are  asked  to  bring  carnations — usually  all  of  one  color. 
The  school,  also,  purchases  a  quantity,  that  there  may 
surely  be  an  abundance — seconds,  or  splits  as  they  are 
called  by  the  florist,  are  quite  good  enough. 

After  an  opening  number  by  the  orchestra,  an  Easter 
song,  the  reading  of  a  Scripture  Easter  lesson,  and  a 
prayer,  there  follows,  as  the  orchestra  plays,  the  "  Flower 
Processional."  Several  young  women  dressed  in  white 
are  now  standing  about  the  cross,  ready  to  receive  the 


24  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

flowers.  Ten  flower-girls,  one  after  another,  proceed  to 
the  platform,  each  carrying  a  dozen  carnations,  which 
are  presented  to  the  young  women  at  the  cross,  with  a 
verse  *  referring  to  the  mission  of  the  flowers.  The  verses 
used  last  Easter  in.  the  South  Congregational  Church, 
Chicago,  were  as  follows : 

Flower  Girl  No.  i 

*'  We  might  have  had  enough,  enough 
For  every  want  of  ours — 
For  luxury,  medicine,  and  toil — 
And  yet  have  had  no  flowers. 
Our  outward  life  requires  them  not, 
Then  wherefore  had  they  birth  ? 

"  To  minister  delight  to  man. 
And  beautify  the  earth  ; 
To  comfort  man,  to  whisper  hope 
Whene'er  his  faith  is  dim  ; 
For  whoso  careth  for  the  flowers, 
Will  much  more  care  for  him." 

Flower  Girl  No.  2 

**  What  regal  vestments  can  with  flowers  compare  ? 
What  king  so  shining  or  what  queen  so  fair  ? 
If  ceaseless  thus  the  fowls  of  heaven  He  feeds. 
If  o'er  the  earth  such  flowery  robes  He  spreads, 
Will  He  not  care  for  you — ye  faithless — say  ? 
Is  He  unwise,  or  are  ye  less  than  they  ?  " 

Flower  Girl  No.  3 

**  Your  voiceless  lips,  O  flowers,  are  living  preachers, 
Each  cup  a  pulpit,  every  leaf  a  book  ; 
Supplying  to  my  fancy  numerous  teachers. 
From  loveliest  nook. 
^  Other  appropriate  verses  may  be  found  under  "  Flower  Day,"  page  195. 


Easter  25 

**  'Neath  cloistered  bough,  each  floral  bell  that  swingeth, 
Or  tolls  its  perfume  on  the  passing  air, 
Makes  Sabbath  in  the  fields,  and  ever  ringeth, 
A  Call  to  prayer." 

Flower  Girl  No.  4 

**  When  beautiful  flowers  impart  their  perfume. 

And  sweet  is  their  fragrance  and  lovely  their  bloom, 

I  think  of  the  summer  that  endlessly  glows 

And  the  unwasting  fragrance  of  Sharon's  bright  rose." 

Flower  Girl  No.  5 

''  Were  I,  O  God,  in  churchless  lands  remaining, 
Far  from  the  voice  of  teachers  or  divines. 
My  soul  would  find  in  flowers  of  Thy  ordaining 
Priests — Sermons — Shrines. ' ' 

Flower  Girl  No.  6 

"  There's  not  a  tint  that  paints  the  rose, 
Or  decks  the  lily  fair, 
Or  streaks  the  humblest  flower  that  blows, 
But  God  has  placed  it  there." 

Flower  Girl  No.  7 

*'  Bright  and  glorious  is  that  revelation, 
Writ  all  over  this  great  world  of  ours. 
Making  evident  our  own  creation. 
In  these  stars  of  earth,  these  golden  flowers." 

Flower  Girl  No.  8 

"  There's  nothing  bright,  below,  above. 
From  flowers  that  blow  to  stars  that  glow, 
But  in  its  light  our  souls  can  see 
Some  feature  of  the  deity." 


26  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Flower  Girl  No.  9 

^*  Foster  the  good  and  thou  shalt  tend  the  flower 
Already  sown  on  earth, 
Foster  the  beautiful  and  every  hour 
Thou  callest  new  flowers  to  birth." 

Flower  Girl  No.  10 

'*  There  is  a  lesson  in  each  flower, 
A  story  in  each  stream  and  bower ; 
On  every  herb  on  which  you  tread 
Are  written  words  which,  rightly  read, 
Will  lead  you  from  earth's  fragrant  sod 
To  hope  and  holiness  and  God." 

Then  the  orchestra  plays  again,  and  all  the  school,  to- 
gether with  visitors  and  friends,  come  forward  in  their 
designated  order,  each  carrying  one  or  more  carnations, 
which,  of  course,  are  supplied  to  any  who  have  not 
brought  them.  As  these  carnations  are  tossed  upon  the 
table,  they  are  handed  to  the  young  ladies  at  the  cross 
by  girls  who  stand  behind  the  table  for  that  purpose, 
and  the  flowers  are  rapidly  built  into  the  cross  by  put- 
ting the  stems  through  the  meshes.  A  young  man, 
standing  behind  the  cross,  pulls  the  stems  until  the 
flowers  are  up  against  the  frame.  When  the  cross  is 
covered,  it  looks  as  though  it  were  built  entirely  of  car- 
nations. A  beautiful  Easter  lily  is  inserted  in  the  middle 
of  the  cross  where  the  four  arms  meet,  and  above  the 
cross,  on  a  wire  frame  prepared  for  that  purpose,  is 
placed  a  good-sized  teacher's  Bible,  open,  and  over  this, 
a  small  spray  of  smilax.  Reference  to  the  accompanying 
picture  will  give  some  idea  of  the  finished  cross.  The 
cross  shown  was  made  up  of  assorted  colors.  It  is  much 
more  beautiful  when  of  one  solid  color.     At  this  point 


THE    CHANGED   CROSS 
Marion  Lawrance  Sunday  School,  Toledo,  Ohio. 


Easter  27 

the  pastor  gives  a  message,  which  is  intended  to  be  the 
message  of  the  Easter  cross.  The  lights  in  the  church 
are  all  turned  off,  while  the  school  sings  "  In  the  Cross 
of  Christ  I  Glory."  As  soon  as  the  singing  begins,  elec- 
tric lights  are  turned  on  inside  the  cross.  (The  wiring 
has,  of  course,  been  done  in  advance,  and  the  whole  elec- 
tric apparatus,  except  the  bulbs,  really  forms  a  part  of 
the  cross,  but  does  not  show.)  At  the  service  last  year, 
referred  to  above,  the  carnations  were  all  dark  red,  and 
no  words  can  describe  the  effect  upon  the  audience  as 
this  beautiful,  blood-red  cross  shone  out  in  the  darkness, 
while  the  words,  "  In  the  Cross  of  Christ  I  Glory,"  were 
being  sung.  The  meaning  of  the  cross  was  then  given 
by  a  young  lady  in  the  following  words  : 

"  If  the  wanderer  his  mistake  discern. 
Judge  his  own  ways,  and  sigh  for  a  return, 
Bewildered  once,  must  he  bewail  his  loss 
Forever  and  forever  ?     No — the  Cross  / 
There,  and  there  only,  is  the  power  to  save, 
There  no  delusive  hope  invites  despair ; 
No  mockery  meets  you,  no  delusion  there ; 
The  spells  and  charms  that  blinded  you  before, 
All  vanish  there,  and  fascinate  no  more." 

The  hymn  of  triumph,  "  All  Hail  the  Power  of  Jesus' 
Name,"  is  sung  to  "  Diadem,"  and  followed  by  the  Bene- 
diction. 

There  is  usually  an  Easter  offering,  the  purpose  of 
which  is  varied  from  year  to  year. 

After  the  service  is  over,  the  flowers  are  removed  from 
the  cross  by  the  flower  committee,  and  sent  to  the  sick. 
Of  course,  the  service  is  not  always  observed  in  exactly 
the  same  way. 


28  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Two  Easter  Poems.  The  following  poems  properly 
read  or  recited  would  be  an  addition  to  any  Easter  pro- 
gram: 

AN  EASTER  PRAYER 

**  May  the  glad  dawn 
Of  Easter  morn 
Bring  holy  joy  to  thee. 

**  May  the  calm  eve 
Of  Easter  leave 
A  peace  divine  with  thee. 

*'  May  Easter  day 
To  thine  heart  say 
Christ  died  and  rose  for  thee. 

**  May  Easter  night 

On  thine  heart  write 
*  O  Christ,  I  Uve  to  Thee.'  " 


BEAUTIFUL  EASTER 

Day  of  the  Crucified  Lord's  Resurrection, 
Day  that  the  Lord  by  His  triumph  hath  made, 
Day  of  Redemption's  seal  of  perfection, 
Day  of  the  Crown  of  His  power  displayed  — 
Beautiful  Easter,  dazzlingly  bright, 
Sun-day  that  filleth  all  Sundays  with  light ! 

Queen  of  all  festivals,  glad  culmination 
Of  the  bright  feasts  that  encircle  the  year, 
GHmpsing  the  Life  in  a  transfiguration 
That  shall  at  length  in  its  glory  appear  — 
Beautiful  Easter  day  in  its  height. 
Sun-day  that  filleth  all  Sundays  with  light ! 


Easter  2g 

Banish  the  gloom  in  the  house  of  the  mourner 
Keeping  the  vigil  that  Sorrow  compels ; 
Melt  the  cold  walls  of  that  prison  forlorner 
Where  unbelief  in  its  solitude  dwells  — 
Beautiful  Easter,  dazzlingly  bright, 
Sun-day  that  fiUeth  all  Sundays  with  light ! 

Pierce  with  Thy  rays  those  saddest  of  places, 
Hearts  that  are  darkened  by  sin  or  despair ; 
Stream  o'er  the  earth's  most  desert-like  spaces, 
Making  them  blossom  than  Eden  more  fair  — 
Beautiful  Easter,  dazzlingly  bright, 
Sun-day  that  fiUeth  all  Sundays  with  light ! 

Day  of  the  hope  that  is  almost  fruition, 

Day  of  Christ's  message  of  *'  Peace  "  to  His  own, 

Day  of  the  pledge  that  His  creatures'  condition 

He  will  transform  to  a  glory  unknown  — 

Beautiful  Easter,  dazzlingly  bright, 

Sun-day  that  filleth  all  Sundays  with  light ! 

He  who  redeemeth,  consoleth,  forgiveth. 
Who  His  own  body  raised  up  from  the  dead, 
Holdeth  all  evil  in  bondage  and  liveth, 
Source  of  all  blessing,  our  Life  and  our  Head : 
It  is  His  glory  that  maketh  thee  bright. 
Sun-day  that  filleth  all  Sundays  with  light ! 

Harriet  McEwen  Kimball,  in  Youth^s  Companion, 


PALM  SUNDAY 
Palm  Sunday  is  a  fitting  introduction  to  Easter.  It  is  a 
good  time  to  impress  upon  the  school  the  spiritual  side 
of  the  work;  indeed,  it  is  a  very  favorable  time  for  a 
Decision  Day,  a  Forward-Step  movement,  or  any  other 
evangelistic  effort. 


30  special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Palm  decorations  are  most  appropriate  if  they  can  be 
had.  City  schools  could  secure  palm  leaves  from  the 
green-house,  and  a  procession  of  children  carrying  these 
would  be  very  pretty.  They  could  recite,  or  some  older 
person  could  read,  the  passage  describing  the  children 
and  other  people  waving  palms  as  Christ  entered  the 
city  on  that  day.  Of  course,  "  Hosanna  "  songs  should 
be  sung,  and  all  the  music  of  the  day  center  around 
praises  to  Jesus  Christ. 


Ill 

DEPARTMENTAL  AND  RELATED  DAYS 

CRADLE  ROLL  DAY 

Cradle  Roll  Day  is  usually  observed  in  May,  and 
confined  to  the  opening  service  of  the  Sunday  school. 

Babies  Themselves  Program.  Where  there  are  babies 
there  is  always  interest,  and  plenty  of  it.  Their  presence 
is  usually  program  enough,  although  some  schools  have 
a  regular  service  of  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes.  If  there 
are  printed  programs  for  the  day,  it  would  be  quite  ap- 
propriate to  have  on  them  the  names  of  all  the  babies 
in  the  Cradle  Roll,  arranged  by  months  according  to 
their  birthdays. 

An  attractive  poster,  with  some  beautiful  picture  of 
mother  and  baby  and,  perhaps,  the  definition  of  "A 
Baby  "  (see  page  33),  hung  in  the  foyer  of  the  church  a 
week  before  Cradle  Roll  Day,  would,  Mrs.  Dietz  sug- 
gests, help  wonderfully  in  creating  interest. 

Opportunity  to  Increase  Enrollment.  Of  course, 
every  effort  will  be  made  to  secure  the  presence  of  other 
babies,  particularly  if  they  are  available  for  membership. 
This  is  a  fine  opportunity  to  increase  the  enrollment  of 
the  Cradle  Roll,  and  the  wide-awake  Cradle  Roll  super- 
intendent will  not  be  slow  to  recognize  it. 

Sometimes  a  flower — the  school  flower  if  it  has  one — 
is  presented  to  each  baby,  also  a  neatly-printed  card,  de- 
signed, of  course,  for  the  parents. 

31 


32  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Sunday-School  Mammas,  One  North  Carolina 
school  finds  Cradle  Roll  Day  one  of  its  most  enthusi- 
astic "  Special  Days."  They  have  what  are  called  "  Sun- 
day-school Mammas."  Any  girl  from  eight  to  fourteen 
who  brings  in  the  name  of  a  baby  to  be  enrolled  upon 
the  Cradle  Roll  becomes  the  Sunday-school  Mamma  of 
that  baby.  She  visits  the  baby  frequently,  carrying  mes- 
sages to  the  home,  flowers,  playthings,  etc.  Of  course, 
when  Cradle  Roll  Day  comes,  these  Sunday-school 
Mammas  are  greatly  interested  in  having  their  babies 
present,  and  this  generally  secures  a  large  attendance. 

A  baby-buggy  parade  of  the  Cradle  Roll  babies,  hav- 
ing the  carriages  wheeled  down  the  aisles  of  the  church, 
would  be  an  interesting  feature. 

A  brief  statement  by  the  superintendent  of  the  Cradle 
Roll  would  be  appropriate,  while  the  pastor  would  have 
a  living  text  for  a  much  longer  sermon  than  he  would 
have  time  to  preach. 

A  Little  Cradle.  Cradle  Roll  Exercises  are  plentiful, 
and  the  ingenuity  of  the  Cradle  Roll  superintendent  will 
easily  make  this  a  day  of  days  in  the  Sunday  school. 
Perhaps  a  Cradle  Roll  Exercise,  using  the  parapher- 
nalia of  the  Department — a  little  cradle,  etc., — would  be 
of  interest.  The  accompanying  picture  shows  two  pairs 
of  twins  welcoming  a  third  pair  into  the  Cradle  Roll 
membership. 

The  following  beautiful  Cradle  Roll  Service  and  Pro- 
motion Exercise  was  arranged  by  Mrs.  Wm.  H,  Dietz, 
Chicago : 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  33 

A  Cradle  Roll  Service 
Singing  by  the  Primary  Department* 

CHURCH  BELLS 
**  Come  !     Come  !  people,  come  ! 
This  the  bells'  message  to  me,  to  you, 
Come  !     Come  !     All  may  come  ! 
Fathers  and  Mothers  and  children  too. 

*'  Come  !     Come  !  people,  come  ! 

See  the  church  doors  are  now  open  wide, 
Come  !     Come  !     All  may  come  ! 
Plenty  of  room  for  you  all  inside." 

(Music  found  in  "Song   Stories  for  the  Sunday  School." 
Price  15c.) 

Special  Prayer  for  the  Cradle  Roll  members  by  the  Pastor 
or  the  Superintendent,  followed  by  the  children  join- 
ing in  the  Cradle  Roll  Prayer* 


A  CRADLE  ROLL  PRAYER 
"  God  bless  the  babies  on  our  Cradle  Roll ; 
Bless  them  and  keep  them  throughout  each  day, 
Watch  them  in  daylight,  and  guard  them  in  darkness. 
May  they  grow  gentler  and  sweeter  each  day. ' '     Amen. 


A  DEFINITION  OF  A  BABY 

*<  That  which  makes  the  home  happier,  love  stronger,  pa- 
tience greater,  hands  busier,  nights  longer,  days  shorter,  purses 
lighter,  clothes  shabbier,  the  past  forgotten,  the  future  brighter." 


34  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 


A  Story  of  Our  Cradle  Roll 

THE  LITTLE  PINK  TOE  BRIGADE 
Have  you  heard  of  the  hosts  from  Babyland, 
Marching  up  to  the  battle  with  sin  ? 
How  their  Hues  reach  out  from  shore  to  shore 
In  the  cause  they  would  help  us  to  win  ? 
Their  names  are  writ  on  our  Cradle  Rolls, 
And  we  list  to  the  music  made 
By  the  prattling  sweet,  and  the  pattering  feet 
Of  the  Little  Pink  Toe  Brigade. 

Before  this  Brigade  of  sweet  innocents 

Old  Evil  can  never  stand  ; 

And  who  shall  number  the  lost  led  back 

By  the  clasp  of  a  baby's  hand  ? 

Their  names  are  writ  on  our  Cradle  Rolls, 

And  our  Bible  Schools  find  aid, 

And  consecration,  and  inspiration 

In  the  Little  Pink  Toe  Brigade. 

O'er  their  onward  march  the  angels  watch, 
Though  here  not  one  can  fall ; 
For  God,  in  His  infinite  tenderness, 
Spreads  His  mantle  of  love  over  all. 
Their  names  are  writ  on  our  Cradle  Rolls, 
And  their  trusts  are  never  betrayed  ; 
They  teach  us  to  do,  they  bid  us  be  true — 
God  bless  the  Pink  Toe  Brigade. 

— Elizabeth  Cameron. 
From  S.  S.  Evangel, 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  35 


WELCOME  SONG 


First  verse  anon 


Words  and  Music  by  Jean  Bearl 


1.  A    wel-come  warm,  a   wel-come  true.  To  this  dear  Sun-day  school  of    ours, 

2.  Here  wc  will  raise  our  voice  in  song  And  here  to  God  will  breathe  a  prayer. 


T   r   r 

And  may   a  bless  •  ing  come  to  you.  Like  sun  •  shine  to    the         6owen. 
For     un  •  to  God  do    we  be  •  long.  He     has    us  m°     his  CSK, 


For      Je  •  sus  will  him  •  self  draw  near  And  bless  us,   as    we    fio  •  ger  here. 
We       are     bis  Iambs,  he   doth  us  feed.  And  on  thro'  life  will  gen  •  tly  leac^ 


i 


I    J  Hi   Jl 


f 


We     we!  -  come  you  with  joy  sin  -  cere.  To     t\\h  dear  school  of         our*. 
We     wel  •  come  you  with  joy   in  -  deed.  To  th^  dear  house  of       prayer. 


Copyright,  1905,  Jean  A.  Bearl 


36  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Why  Belong  to  Our  Cradle  Roll? 

WEE  BABIES 
Babies  short  and  babies  tall, 
Babies  big  and  babies  small, 
Blue  eyed  babies,  babies  fair. 
Brown  eyed  babies  with  lots  of  hair, 
Babies  so  tiny  they  can't  sit  up, 
Babies  that  drink  from  a  silver  cup, 
Babies  that  coo,  babies  that  creep. 
Babies  that  only  can  eat  and  sleep. 
Babies  that  laugh  and  babies  that  talk, 
Babies  quite  big  enough  to  walk. 
Dimpled  fingers  and  dimpled  feet. 
What  in  the  world  is  half  so  sweet 
As  babies  that  jump,  laugh,  cry  and  crawl. 
Eat,  sleep,  talk,  walk,  creep,  coo  and  all 
Wee  Babies? 

— Eugene  Field. 

SONG— "SLEEP,  LITTLE  BABY  OF  MINE" 

Sleep,  little  baby  of  mine. 

Night  and  the  darkness  are  near ; 

But  Jesus  looks  down  through  the  shadows 

that  frown, 
And  Baby  has  nothing  to  fear ; 
Shut,  little  sleepy  blue  eyes  ; 
Dear  little  head  be  at  rest ; 
Jesus,  like  you,  was  a  baby  once  too. 
And  slept  on  His  own  Mother's  breast. 
Lullaby,  Lullaby, 

Sleep,  my  baby,  sleep. 

Sleep,  little  baby  of  mine. 
Soft  on  your  pillow  so  white ; 
Jesus  is  here  to  watch  over  you,  dear. 
And  nothing  can  harm  you  to-night ; 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  37 

O,  little  darling  of  mine, 
What  can  you  know  of  the  bliss, 
The  comfort  I  keep,  awake  and  asleep, 
Because  I  am  certain  of  this. 
Lullaby,  Lullaby, 
Sleep,  my  baby,  sleep. 

Noie.— This  song  may  be  sung  as  a  solo,  or  learned  by  the  children  and 
sung  in  unison  to  the  imaginary  baby  in  their  swaying  arms. 


What  do  Our  Sunday  School  People 
Think  of  Babies  ? 

Note  —Assign  one  verse  each  to  seven  fathers  and  mothers  connected 
with  the  Sunday  school,  the  bigger  or  more  important  they  are  the  better. 
Let  them  tell  the  sweet  story.  Give  verses  i,  4  and  6  to  Mothers;  2,  3,  5 
and  7  to  Fathers. 

THE  BABY  I  LOVE 

This  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 
The  baby  that  cannot  talk ; 
The  baby  that  cannot  walk ; 
The  baby  that  just  begins  to  creep  ; 
The  baby  that's  cuddled  and  rocked  to  sleep; 

Oh,  this  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 

This  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 
The  baby  that's  never  cross; 
The  baby  that  papa  can  toss ; 
The  baby  that  crows  when  held  aloft ; 
The  baby  that's  rosy  and  round  and  soft ; 

Oh,  this  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 

This  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 
The  baby  that  laughs  when  I  peep 
To  see  is  it  still  asleep  ; 
The  baby  that  coos  and  frowns  and  blinks 
When  left  alone—as  it  sometimes  thinks ; 

Oh,  this  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 


38  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

This  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 
The  baby  that  lies  on  my  knee, 
And  dimples  and  smiles  on  me 
While  I  strip  it  and  bathe  it  and  kiss  it — Oh  I 
Till  with  bathing  and  kissing  it's  all  aglow ; 

Yes,  this  is  the  baby  1  love  I 

This  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 
The  baby  all  freshly  dressed ; 
That,  waking,  is  never  at  rest ; 
That  plucks  at  my  collar  and  pulls  my  hair 
Till  I  look  like  a  witch — but  I  do  not  care ; 

Oh,  this  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 

This  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 
The  baby  that  understands, 
And  dances  with  feet  and  hands. 
And  a  sweet,  little,  whinnying,  eager  cry 
For  the  nice  warm  breakfast  that  waits  it  close  by  5 

Oh,  this  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 

This  is  the  baby  I  love  ! 
The  baby  that  tries  to  talk ; 
The  baby  that  longs  to  walk ; 
And  oh,  its  mamma  will  wake  some  day 
To  find  that  her  baby  has — run  away  ! 
This  baby — the  baby  I  love ! 


But  Cradle  Roll  Babies  Grow 

GROWING 

The  tiny,  wee  seed  grows  into  a  plant, 
The  plant  grows  into  the  flower. 

But  we  cannot  tell  how  the  change  is  made, 
Though  we  watch  it  every  hour. 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  39 

The  wee,  rosy  babe  grows  into  a  boy, 

The  boy  grows  into  a  man. 
But  we  cannot  tell  how  the  change  is  made. 

Though  we  watch  as  close  as  we  can. 

These  are  God's  secrets,  but  well  we  know 

That  the  change  is  sure  and  true. 
And  all  living  things  grow  up  towards  the  light, 

Up  towards  the  shine  and  the  blue. 

— Margaret  Coote  Brown. 
Presentation  of  Promotion  Certificates 

Request  the  members  of  the  Cradle  Roll,  who  are  now 
old  enough  to  attend  the  Beginners'  Class,  to  come  to 
the  platform  with  their  mothers  or  fathers.  Assembled 
in  semicircle,  the  superintendent  may  present  each  child 
by  name  with  his  certificate  of  Promotion  from  Cradle 
Roll  to  Beginners'  Class  or  Primary  Department.  Then 
speak  a  few  tender,  earnest  words  to  parents  and  children. 

The  children  will  then  join  in  singing  their  Prayer 
Song,  "  Jesus,  Teach  Me,"  given  on  the  following  page. 


BEGINNERS'  DAY 

Nothing  will  command  the  attention  of  the  main 
school  more  effectually  than  to  have  the  Beginners 
march  in  at  some  session  of  the  school,  take  their  places 
upon  the  platform,  sing  one  or  more  of  their  little  songs, 
and  go  through  some  of  their  regular  exercises.  This 
may  be  followed  by  a  statement  from  the  superintendent 
as  to  what  they  are  endeavoring  to  do,  their  needs,  and 
possibilities. 

A  neat  little  invitation,  gotten  up  perhaps  with  some 
Kate  Greenaway  pictures,  inviting  into  the  Department 
children   of  the   congregation  who  may  not  be  in  the 


40  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 


M.  c.  B. 


JESUS,  TEACH  ME 

Margaret  Coote  Brown 


1.    Je   •  808, 

^  Teach  my 


my   handa   to      do;      Tooe   my    tips     to    pralS'M     oe«r; 
Tby  voice    to    heed;     Uay  Tby   love    sup  •  ply  «  my   oead; 


Lead  my    feet     to      fol  •  low  Thine;   Fill    with  love    thia  heart     of 
Let     my    «yeft  Tby  teaa  •  (7      e«e*      Aod    Tby  troth    a  •  bide      ta 


J  J  ^iJ  '    1^  Tiiji^,  I 


Deer  •  est       Lord  Je 

Dear  •  «8t       Lord         Je 


To       Thee       t         pfay; 
To       Thee      I        pray; 


May       I 
May       I 


like     Thee,     Serv  *  tng     each      day. 

like     Thee,     Serv  •  log     each     day.         A 


MSN. 


Copyright,  1907,  by  M.  C.  Brown.  Wm.  M.  Dietz,  Chicago. 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  41 

school,  could  be  distributed  by  the  children  themselves 
after  their  platform  service  is  over.  The  sight  of  the 
children  alone  creates  much  interest. 


PRIMARY  DEPARTMENT  DAY 
On  this  occasion,  the  Primary  officers  and  teachers  ar- 
range a  program  of  ten  or  fifteen  minutes,  to  be  given 
by  the  Primary  children,  in  the  presence  of  the  main 
school.  It  would  consist  of  appropriate  songs,  recita- 
tions, and,  best  of  all,  the  giving  of  some  of  the  memory 
work  that  has  been  learned  in  the  Sunday  school.  A 
specially  prepared  recitation  addressed  to  the  older  peo- 
ple but  given  by  one  of  the  children  would  be  very  ap- 
propriate. 

The  children  in  their  attractive  attire  afford  in  them- 
selves ample  decoration  and  entertainment,  but  the  day 
offers  a  good  opportunity  to  present  to  the  school  what 
is  being  done  in  this  wonderfully  interesting  department 
of  the  work. 


JUNIOR  DEPARTMENT  DAY 
Junior  Department  Day  is  conducted  in  very  much 
the  same  way  as  Intermediate  Department  Day,  except 
that  the  program  is  arranged  from  the  Junior  standpoint, 
and  the  participants  mostly  Junior  scholars.  One  of  the 
teachers  or  officers  of  the  Department  acts  as  superin- 
tendent for  the  day. 

As  the  Juniors  usually  meet  in  a  room  of  their 
own,  this  is  a  fine  opportunity  for  some  bright  boy  or 
girl  to  tell  the  school  what  is  going  on  in  the  Depart- 
ment.    It  is  a  good  chance,  also,  to  show  the  handwork 


42  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

that  is  being  done.  The  Department  could  sing  an  ap- 
propriate song,  and  repeat  in  concert  some  of  their  mem- 
ory work. 


INTERMEDIATE  DEPARTMENT  DAY 
Let  a  committee  from  the  Intermediate  Department, 
made  up  of  some  of  the  officers,  teachers,  and  scholars, 
prepare  the  program  for  the  opening  service,  with  the 
understanding,  of  course,  that  it  is  to  be  appropriate  to 
the  Sunday-school  hour. 

Some  officer,  perhaps  the  secretary,  can  give  the  stand- 
ing of  the  Department,  with  interesting  facts  about  it. 
A  boy  or  girl  might  give  an  original  talk  or  short  paper 
on  •'  What  the  Sunday  School  can  do  for  a  Boy  or  Girl." 
Another  could  give  a  similar  talk  or  paper  on  "  What  a 
Boy  or  Girl  can  do  for  the  Sunday  School."  It  would 
be  well  for  the  Department  to  sing  alone,  standing  while 
the  rest  of  the  school  is  seated.  Some  officer  from  the 
older  departments  of  the  school  might  give  a  little  talk 
of  appreciation  of  what  the  Intermediate  Department  is 
doing. 


SECONDARY  BOYS'  DAY 
Secondary  Boys'  Day  may  be  held  at  any  convenient 
time   during  the   year,  and  should  be  confined  to  the 
opening  service  of  the  school. 

Boys  Prepare  Program.  It  would  be  well  to  put  the 
program  into  the  hands  of  a  committee  of  boys,  being 
sure  that  a  number  of  the  older  and  wiser  ones  are  in 
charge.  Let  them  prepare  the  entire  program,  consult- 
ing, of  course,  with  the  superintendent.  One  of  the 
older  boys  could  act  as  superintendent  for  the  day,  other 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  43 

boys  being  assigned  to  different  parts  of  the  program. 
There  might  be  some  special  feature,  such  as  a  short  talk 
by  a  boy  on  some  such  subject  as  "  Why  a  boy  should 
attend  Sunday  school,"  or  "  Why  a  boy  should  be  a 
Christian,"  or  "  What  can  the  Sunday  school  do  for  a 
boy,"  or  "  Why  a  boy  should  be  loyal  to  his  Sunday 
school."  It  matters  little  what  the  subject  of  the  talk 
may  be,  so  long  as  it  presents  some  important  phase  of 
the  work.  The  pastor  or  the  superintendent,  or  both, 
could  give  a  word  of  encouragement  to  the  boys  and  a 
word  of  invitation  to  those  who  are  not  members.  Have 
one  of  the  older  men  in  the  Sunday  school  tell  briefly 
what  the  Sunday  school  meant  to  him  as  a  boy.  Pos- 
sibly some  good  strong  business  man  might  give  a  short 
talk  on  some  such  subject  as  "  The  kind  of  boy  that  suc- 
ceeds in  the  business  world,"  or  better  still  "  The  Chris- 
tian Religion  the  only  foundation  for  a  successful  life." 
It  would  be  well  for  all  of  the  boys'  classes  of  the  Divi- 
sion to  sit  together.  They  might  sing  one  of  the  hymns, 
or  repeat  a  Psalm  or  other  suitable  concert  exercise. 
Every  effort  should,  of  course,  be  made  to  get  a  large 
number  of  other  boys  who  are  not  attending  any  Sunday 
school  to  be  present  that  day,  on  special  invitation. 

Attend  Church  Service  in  Body.  This  is  a  good 
opportunity  to  cultivate  the  departmental  spirit,  and  it 
ought  to  be  done.  There  could  be  no  finer  feature  of  this 
day  than  the  attendance  of  the  Secondary  Division,  in  a 
body,  upon  the  preaching  service. 

Sometimes  the  Sunday  schools  of  a  neighborhood — or 
of  a  city  as  was  the  case  recently  in  Kansas  City — all 
have  Boys'  Day  on  the  same  Sunday.  This  attracts 
wider  attention,  of  course,  and  secures  a  larger  attendance 
because  of  the  greater  publicity. 


44  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

One  California  Boys*  Day.  Below  is  a  description 
of  a  Boys'  Day  held  in  Los  Angeles,  and  described  by 
Wiliametta  Preston  in  the  Baptist  Teacher  : 

"  The  Juniors  planned  it  all  themselves,  superintend- 
ent, teachers,  boys  and  girls.  It  was  to  be  *  for  all  the 
boys  in  town/  and  the  boys  set  the  age  Hmit  from  eight 
to  fifteen. 

"  They  made  a  list  of  all  the  boys  of  that  age  who 
were  not  members  of  some  other  school.  These  were 
to  be  invited  and  urged  to  come.  Then  the  committees 
were  arranged  to  make  the  day  as  attractive  as  possible. 
The  girls  had  charge  of  the  decorations  and — but  that 
was  to  be  a  secret.  The  other  work  was  all  to  be  done 
by  the  boys.  It  was  to  be  a  Boys'  Day,  arranged  and 
carried  out  by  the  boys. 

"  At  least  ten  minutes  before  the  opening  exercises 
the  boys  and  their  guests  began  to  come.  Each  boy 
held  himself  responsible  for  the  presence  of  all  the  boys 
he  invited.  He  went  first  to  the  boy  living  farthest 
away,  and,  getting  him,  the  two  called  for  the  next, 
until,  by  the  time  they  reached  the  school,  each  boy  had 
a  *  string  *  of  guests  numbering  eight  or  ten. 

"  These  boys  came  into  the  regular  classes,  enlarged 
sufficiently  to  accommodate  them  all.  The  teachers  and 
superintendent  were  ready  with  cordial  welcomes.  The 
girls  had  '  favors  '  for  each — ^just  a  tiny  flower  (the  first 
they  had  ever  worn)  for  the  buttonhole. 

"  The  opening  exercises  were  for  the  boys — martial 
music,  responsive  readings,  a  Bible  drill,  more  singing  in 
which  all  could  share,  a  story  by  the  superintendent,  and 
then  a  brief  period  of  class  work.  Coming  back  for  the 
closing  exercises,  they  found  that  they  were  to  march 
into   the   auditorium   together — all   the   boys   and  their 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  45 

guests — that  seats  upon  one  side  had  been  reserved  for 
them,  and  that  the  pastor  was  to  tell  them  a  story  about 
a  boy.  Of  course  it  was  the  Boy  Jesus  whom  he  de- 
scribed, making  Him  so  altogether  lovable  that  the  boys 
wished  to  be  Hke  Him. 

"  The  next  surprise  was  the  announcement  at  the 
close  of  the  service  that  dinner  was  served  in  the  din- 
ing-room for  all  the  boys.  This  was  the  girls'  share  of 
the  day.  The  pastor  and  the  superintendent  were  guests 
of  honor.  It  was  a  Sabbath  dinner,  in  no  way  infringing 
on  the  sacredness  of  the  day,  but  it  was  the  next  thing 
for  these  boys.  They  had  their  opportunity  to  speak 
freely,  before  impressions  were  dissipated,  of  things  near- 
est to  their  hearts.  They  had  questions  to  ask  and 
problems  to  solve.  *  Why  '  was  the  beginning  of  many 
of  the  questions. 

"  Then  names  were  asked  for  enrollment  in  the  school. 
A  few  went  even  beyond.  *  Why  can't  we  decide  the 
question  once  for  all  ?  '  asked  Keith  Beloit.  *  We  know 
that  we  want  to  belong  to  Jesus.  Why  not  give  our- 
selves to  Him  now  ?  ' 

"  A  few  elderly  church  members  had  feared  the  result 
of  a  Sunday  dinner  in  the  church.  Their  fears  would 
have  been  dispelled  could  they  have  seen  the  way  those 
boys  arose  in  their  places  about  the  long  tables,  signify- 
ing in  this  way  their  purpose  to  belong  to  Christ." 

A  Secondary  Boys'  Day  properly  carried  out  will 
greatly  strengthen  any  school. 


SECONDARY  GIRLS'  DAY 

The  same  general  suggestions  apply  here  as  in  Sec- 
ondary Boys'  Day,  except  that  the  topics  for  discussion 


46  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

should   be   appropriate  to  the   girls'   life,  and  the  chief 
participants  should  be  the  older  girls  and  young  women. 


BOY  SCOUT  DAY 

The  first  Sunday  in  February  is  an  appropriate  time 
for  the  observance  of  Boy  Scout  Day,  as  it  is  the  Sun- 
day nearest  the  anniversary  of  its  organization. 

The  Boy  Scouts  are  not  a  military  organization,  never- 
theless the  appearance  in  uniform  and  marching  together 
is  always  attractive.  It  is  questionable  whether  it  is  de- 
sirable to  have  the  boys  appear  in  uniform  on  Boy  Scout 
Day  ;  it  would,  however,  add  to  the  attractiveness  of  the 
program. 

Do  not  put  on  the  whole  Scout  Troop,  but  let  the 
program  be  given  by  about  fifteen  boys.  Have  one  boy 
with  a  good  strong  voice  explain  what  the  Scout  move- 
ment really  is,  giving  the  number  of  their  troop  together 
with  the  name  of  their  Scout  Master  and  officers.  Have 
another  boy  repeat  the  Oath,  which  is  as  follows  : 

"  On  my  honor  I  will  do  my  best : 

1.  To  do  my  duty  to  God  and  my  country,  and  to 

obey  the  Scout  law. 

2.  To  help  other  people  at  all  times. 

3.  To  keep  myself  physically  strong,  mentally  awake 

and  morally  straight." 

Then  have  twelve  boys  repeat  the  twelve  Scout  Laws, 
each  boy  repeating  one  law  : 

"  The  Scout  Law,  covering  twelve  fundamental  prin- 
ciples of  life,  requires  a  scout  first  of  all  to  be  trustworthy. 
That  means  he  must  not  tell  a  lie,  cheat  or  deceive,  but 
keep  every  trust  sacred.  A  Scout  is  loyal  to  all  to  whom 
loyalty  is  due,  including  his  Scout  leader,  his  home,  his 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  47 

parents  and  his  country.  A  Scout  is  helpful,  that  is,  he 
is  prepared,  through  the  special  program  of  scouting  ac- 
tivities, to  saie  life,  help  injured  persons  and  to  do  at 
least  one  worth-while  good  turn  daily.  A  Scout  \%  friendly 
to  all,  a  brother  to  every  other  Scout.  A  Scout  is  cour- 
teous, especially  to  women,  children  and  old  people,  and 
he  must  not  take  any  pay  for  his  acts  of  courtesy  or 
kindness.  A  Scout  is  kind  to  animals  and  will  not  kill 
nor  hurt  any  living  creature  needlessly.  A  Scout  is 
obedient ;  a  Scout  is  cheerful  even  when  facing  hardship 
and  drudgery.  A  Scout  is  thrifty  ;  he  not  only  recog- 
nizes his  obligation  to  pay  his  own  way,  but  realizes  his 
duty  to  help  carry  the  burden  of  worthy  causes  and  the 
needs  of  his  country.  A  Scout  is  brave  and  does  what 
he  knows  is  right  in  spite  of  jeers  and  threats.  A  Scout 
is  clean  in  body  and  thought,  stands  for  clean  speech, 
clean  sport,  clean  habits,  and  travels  with  a  clean  crowd. 
Finally,  a  Scout  is  reverent  towards  God  ;  not  only  is  he 
faithful  in  his  own  religious  duties,  but  he  respects  the 
convictions  of  others  in  matters  of  custom  and  religion." 

This  may  be  followed  by  a  five  minute  talk  by  some 
leader,  perhaps  the  Scout  Master,  or  by  the  pastor  or 
superintendent,  on  the  general  purpose  of  the  Boy  Scout 
Movement  and  how  it  is  fitting  into  the  local  school  hfe. 
In  the  school  in  Chicago  of  which  the  writer  is  superin- 
tendent, the  Scouts  carry  messages  each  Sunday  to  the 
absentees,  deliver  Church  Calendars  on  Saturdays,  and 
carry  many  messages  through  the  week  for  the  pastor. 

The  school  may  sing  a  militant  song,  such  as,  "  On- 
ward Christian  Soldiers,"  "  The  Son  of  God  Goes  Forth 
to  War,"  "  Faith  of  our  Fathers,"  or  something  of  that 
sort.  Then  close  with  the  boys  who  have  participated 
giving  the  salute  to  the  flag. 


48  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

This  can  all  be  done  in   fifteen  minutes,  or  twenty 
minutes  at  the  most,  and  will  make  a  pleasant  service. 


GIRL  SCOUT  DAY 
This  may  be  carried  on  in  much  the  same  manner  as 
Boy  Scout  Day,  excepting  that  the  statements  would 
be  different,  covering  their  organization,  activities,  and 
methods  of  procedure. 


ADULT  BIBLE  CLASS  DAY 
No  feature  of  our  Sunday-school  work  is  responding 
in  interest  and  growth  as  is  the  Adult  Division.  It  may 
almost  be  said  that  the  Adult  Bible  Classes  have  saved 
the  day  in  giving  to  the  Sunday  school  the  standing  it 
has  deserved  all  these  years.  There  are  those  who 
believe  that  the  Sunday  school  is  growing  more  rapidly 
to-day  by  the  addition  of  members  above  twenty  years 
of  age  than  by  the  addition  of  members  below  that  age. 
Certain  it  is,  it  is  an  adult  age  in  the  Sunday  school. 
The  Adult  Bible  Classes  give  a  stability  and  strength 
to  the  Sunday-school  movement  that  no  other  depart- 
ment can  give. 

The  program  for  the  opening  service  of  the  school 
should  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  committee  from  the 
Adult  Bible  Classes.  This  committee  will  be  troubled 
with  an  embarrassment  of  riches  when  it  comes  to  pre- 
paring the  program.  A  male  chorus  or  quartette  might 
sing.  A  rehearsal  of  some  of  the  activities  of  the  Adult 
Bible  Classes  would  be  exceedingly  interesting.     It  would 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  49 

not  be  out  of  place  for  one  of  the  best  classes  to  stage  an 
opening  service  of  a  class  session,  going  through  all  the 
business  of  a  regular  session,  omitting  the  teaching  of  the 
lesson.  This  would  be  a  good  object  lesson  to  the  vis- 
itors  present  and,  perhaps,  an  inducement  to  them  to  be- 
come members  of  the  school.  Of  course,  special  effort 
should  be  made  to  secure  the  attendance  of  as  many 
adults  as  possible— certainly  of  those  who  are  members 
of  the  church  and  not  connected  with  the  Sunday  school. 
A  pleasing  feature  of  such  an  exercise  would  be  the 
reading  of  messages  from  former  members  of  the  classes 
represented,  many  Bible  Classes  nowadays  having  a 
motto,  "  Once  a  member  always  a  member."  The 
Wesleyan  Bible  Class,  of  Chicago,  has  a  large  United 
States  map  hung  in  its  room,  indicating  where  the 
members  now  live  who  have  left  the  city.  The  display 
of  such  a  map  would  create  much  interest.  A  brief  re- 
hearsal of  the  benevolences  and  activities  in  which  the 
classes  are  engaged  would  be  instructive. 

Paper  armlets  with  the  Adult  Bible  Class  button  may 
be  secured  at  very  trifling  cost,  and  could  be  worn  by 
all  adult  members. 

It  would  be  well  to  have  a  printed  program  for  this 
service,  which  might  include  one  of  the  many  popular 
Adult  Bible  Class  songs. 

A  program  carried  on  in  this  way  should  surely  add 
greatly  to  the  interest  of  the  school,  and  attract  many 
new  members. 


MOTHER'S  DAY 
The  Mother's  Day  International  Association  has  very 
kindly  furnished  for  this  book  the  following  article : 


50  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

"  Mother's  Day  has  become  one  of  the  most  popular 
celebrations  of  the  Sunday  school  and  church. 

Origin  of  Mother's  Day.  '<  This  celebration  was  es- 
tablished by  Miss  Anna  Jarvis,  of  2031  North  Twelfth 
Street,  Philadelphia,  in  order  to  continue  the  life-work 
of  her  mother — Mrs.  Anna  M.  Jarvis — and  to  make  it  an 
international  welfare  work  for  the  homes  of  all  lands. 
Mother's  Day,  therefore,  owes  its  inspiration  to  Mrs. 
Jarvis,  as  a  mother,  Sunday-school  worker,  and  church- 
woman. 

"  Many  persons  have  an  idea  that  Mother's  Day  was 
a  mere  suggestion,  and  that  it  has  carried  itself  forward. 
This  is  an  erroneous  idea,  for  back  of  ,the  international 
celebration  of  Mother's  Day  have  been  years  of  the 
hardest  kind  of  work  and  expense  by  its  founder. 

Mother's  Day  International  Association.  "  In  order 
to  better  advance  the  all-nations  celebration  of  Mother's 
Day  and  to  develop  its  welfare  work  for  the  home,  the 
Mother's  Day  International  Association  was  founded  by 
Miss  Jarvis,  who  is  its  president.  Among  the  Associa- 
tion's active  and  honorary  officers  are  persons  prominent 
in  all  of  the  States. 

Time  of  Celebrating.  "  Mother's  Day  is  celebrated  in 
Sunday  schools,  churches,  etc.,  on  the  second  Sunday  in 
May.  On  the  Friday  and  Saturday  preceding,  the  day 
is  observed  in  day  schools,  and  by  business,  civic,  and 
similar  organizations.  The  time  of  celebrating  Mother's 
Day  is,  therefore,  of  fixed  days,  rather  than  fixed  dates. 

Mother's  Day  Badge.  "  Either  a  white  carnation  or 
the  button-badge  gotten  out  by  the  Mother's  Day  Asso- 
ciation, is  the  official  badge  of  Mother's  Day.  No  other 
badge  should  be  worn  or  used. 

"  The  white  carnation  is  the  chosen  emblem  of  Mother's 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  51 

Day  because  it  is  thought  to  typify  some  of  the  virtues 
of  motherhood.  It  is  the  first  flower  to  be  used  as  an  in- 
ternational emblem  of  mother,  home  and  country. 

Manner  of  Celebrating.  "  Mother's  Day  should  be 
celebrated  in  a  way  that  will  make  it  uplifting  and  of  prac- 
tical benefit,  for  this  is  not  a  day  of  idle  sentiment. 
Through  some  distinct  act  of  kindness,  a  letter,  visit,  gift, 
or  telegram,  show  grateful  affection  for  the  mother  and 
father  to  whom  filial  gratitude  is  due.  Stamp  the  day 
with  kindness  and  brotherhood,  so  that  the  shut-ins,  the 
lonely,  and  others  with  whom  a  little  joy  goes  a  long  way, 
may  be  blessed  through  the  observance  of  this  holiday  of 
the  heart. 

"  In  the  Sunday-school  and  church  societies,  honor 
should  be  given  to  parents,  especially  the  mothers,  old 
and  young.  Escorts  or  conveyances  may  be  provided 
for  the  aged.  The  Mother's  Day  badge  or  program 
should  be  sent  to  persons  kept  at  home  through  disable- 
ment or  necessity. 

"  Mother's  Day  affords  a  timely  occasion  for  remem- 
bering the  faithful  workers  of  the  Sunday  school  and 
church ;  such  as  the  pastor,  superintendent,  teachers, 
church- workers  or  old  members.  Too  little  appreciation 
is  shown  of  the  men  and  women  who  carry  forward  the 
work  of  the  Sunday  school  and  church  through  their 
faithful  attendance  and  labor. 

A  Memorial  Day.  "  Members  of  the  Sunday  school 
and  church  and  their  allied  organizations  who  have  passed 
away  since  last  Mother's  Day  should  have  their  names 
recalled  through  some  tribute,  or  the  decoration  of  their 
graves.  If  the  latter  be  not  possible,  then  graciously  re- 
member with  the  memory  flower  of  Mother's  Day  those 
who  sorrow  for  loved  ones. 


^2  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Official  Program.  "The  Mother's  Day  Association 
issues  annually  an  Official  Program,  which  it  desires  all 
celebrants  to  use.  This  program  is  based  on  the  past  ex- 
perience of  the  Association's  work,  and  on  its  future 
plans  for  the  uplift  of  the  home.  The  program  is  de- 
signed to  be  not  only  entertaining  but  of  practical  benefit 
to  the  Sunday  school,  church,  etc. 

Decorations.  "  The  Mother's  Day  decorations  of  the 
home,  Sunday  school,  church,  business  place,  or  audi- 
toriums, should  always  be  largely  of  flags  of  the  country 
celebrating.  The  pulpit,  or  speaker's  desk,  should  be 
covered  with  a  flag.  It  has  become  the  custom  in  many 
cities  for  public  buildings,  business  houses,  lodges  and 
homes,  to  display  from  their  windows  the  national  colors 
on  Saturday  and  Sunday  of  Mother's  Day,  in  order  to 
give  emphasis  to  the  fact  that  there  is  no  higher  pa- 
triotism or  service  to  one's  country  than  true  parenthood 
and  true  homes.  Other  auditorium  decorations  may  be 
of  flowers,  plants,  birds,  green  branches  of  trees,  or  any- 
thing else  that  will  appropriately  give  a  May-time  effect. 

"  The  mother-loving  hearts  of  men  and  women  will  be 
inspired  to  make  the  Mother's  Day  celebration  a  heart 
service,  and  much  that  is  personal  to  the  Sunday  school 
may  enter  into  any  celebration. 

"  Any  information  regarding  Mother's  Day  work,  pro- 
grams, badge,  celebration,  or  supplies,  may  be  obtained 
(send  postage  for  reply)  from  the  Mother's  Day  Interna- 
tional Association,  2031  North  Twelfth  Street,  Phila- 
delphia." 

Wide  Observance.  The  beautiful  sentiment  surround- 
ing Mother's  Day  has  caused  it  to  grow  into  favor  more, 
rapidly  than  any  other  Special  Day  observed  in  the  Sun- 
day school.     The  idea  has  spread  so  far  and  wide  that  it 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  53 

is  no  longer  confined  to  the  Sunday  school.  It  is  ob- 
served in  schools,  colleges,  institutions,  the  army  and 
navy,  lodges,  fraternities,  and  all  sorts  of  organizations. 
Proclamations  for  its  observance  have  been  issued  by  the 
governors  of  many  States  of  the  Union,  and  Congress  has 
recognized  the  day  by  wearing  the  Mother's  Day  flower, 
the  white  carnation.  The  day  is  also  observed  in  Europe, 
Africa,  Asia,  and  the  Islands  of  the  Sea,  including  Mada- 
gascar, the  Fiji  Islands,  the  Philippine  Islands,  and  many 
others. 

The  Service.  The  temptation  will  be  to  give  up  the 
whole  Sunday-school  hour  to  the  Mother's  Day  service. 
While  the  time  could  be  most  profitably  spent,  this  would 
hardly  be  wise.  Some  schools,  in  order  to  avoid  disturb- 
ing the  study  period  and  to  insure  ample  time,  have  a 
special  service  in  the  afternoon  or  early  evening.  The 
Sunday-school  hour,  however,  is  the  best  time,  devoting 
not  more  than  thirty  minutes  to  the  Mother's  Day  fea- 
ture, interesting  and  lovely  as  it  is. 

Special  effort  should  be  made  to  secure  the  presence 
of  as  many  mothers  as  possible.  Beautiful  invitation 
cards  with  white  carnations  embossed  upon  them  may  be 
had  at  small  expense.  Carriages  or  automobiles  should 
be  provided  for  those  who  are  too  old  or  feeble  to  attend 
otherwise;  they  probably  will  enjoy  the  service  more 
than  any  present.  One  school  sends  two  Boy  Scouts  with 
each  automobile  or  carriage  to  help  any  of  the  mothers 
who  may  need  assistance.  Rocking-chairs  and  other 
easy  chairs  may  be  provided  for  them  near  the  platform. 
Arrangements  should  be  made,  also,  for  the  care  of  small 
children  either  at  the  homes  or  at  the  church,  so  that  the 
mothers  may  attend  the  service. 

There   is   truly  an   embarrassment  of  riches  when  it 


54  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

comes  to  special  printed  services  and  suggestions  for  the 
observance  of  the  day.  All  Sunday-school  supply  houses 
issue  material  in  profusion,  with  buttons,  badges,  pen- 
nants, illuminated  post-cards,  programs,  etc.  If  a  regular 
printed  exercise  is  used,  ample  time  should  be  allowed  for 
its  preparation. 

How  Some  Sunday  Schools  Have  Observed 
Mother's  Day.  Miss  Elizabeth  Kilpatrick,  the  teacher 
of  a  Men's  Bible  Class,  in  Corinth,  Miss.,  gives  the  fol- 
lowing account  of  their  last  Mother's  Day  celebration  : 

"  A  friend  of  the  class  sent  two  or  three  crates  of 
white  American  Beauty  roses,  and  the  class  purchased 
lovely  old-fashioned,  white,  spicy  pinks.  The  room  was 
elaborately  and  beautifully  decorated.  Then  the  fellows 
had  flowers,  with  pins,  for  every  man  who  came  to  Sun- 
day school,  church  in  the  morning,  or  church  at  night. 
They  sent  bowls  of  roses  to  the  various  hotels,  so  that 
even  the  man  who  did  not  attend  Sunday  school  would 
get  the  Mother's  Day  joy.  The  class  sent  automobiles 
for  all  the  mothers  of  the  class  members.  They  had  been 
previously  notified  to  be  ready,  and  rocking-chairs,  has- 
socks, and  everything  to  make  them  comfortable  had 
been  provided,  together  with  white  flowers  for  each. 
Quite  a  number  were  there  who  had  not  been  out  for  a 
long  time.  There  was  a  beautiful  program  of  songs, 
prayers,  and  spoken  word,  in  that  exquisite  room,  so 
white  and  typical  of  the  life  our  mothers  would  like  to 
have  us  live,  and  the  influence  remains  in  the  class  to- 
day, and  in  the  hearts  of  the  mothers,  who  wish  the  class 
might  do  just  that  way  again.  Of  course,  the  promise 
was  made  that  every  man  present  would  do  something 
kind  for  his  mother — write  or  telegraph  her,  or  if  she 
had   passed   away,   do   something    for   somebody   else's 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  5^ 

mother.  Many  an  old  lady's  heart  was  made  glad 
that  day  by  those  big  men  and  the  tender  things  they 
did." 

Another  school  announced  that  two  beautiful  bouquets 
of  white  carnations  would  be  given — one  to  the  oldest 
mother  present,  and  the  other  to  the  mother  with  the 
largest  number  of  children  belonging  to  the  Sunday 
school  and  present  that  day. 

The  oldest  mother  present  sometimes  sits  in  the  front 
of  the  school,  holding  her  hands  in  the  form  of  a  cup. 
The  scholars  then  pass  her  chair  in  processional,  placing 
their  offering  in  her  hands.  It  can  then  be  truly  said 
that  the  offering  is  put  in  "  Mother's  Hand." 

Mother's  Day  Flag.  A  Mother's  Day  Flag  has  been 
devised  by  the  Rev.  Henry  Moser,  Aurora,  Ihinois.  He 
describes  it  as  follows  : 

"  I  am  using  the  three  colors  of  our  National  Flag  to 
represent  the  three  fundamental  characteristics  of  true 
motherhood.  The  flag  is  made  of  a  blue  field ;  on  the 
left  end,  about  the  middle,  is  a  red  heart,  and  above  the 
heart  a  white  carnation.  The  blue  field  stands  for  that 
indomitable  spirit  of  loyalty  to  what  every  true  mother 
believes  to  be  for  the  highest  goqd  of  her  home  and 
native  land.  The  red  represents  the  spirit  of  sacrifice, 
which  is  the  language  of  the  mother-heart  and  hfe.  The 
white  stands  for  purity,  which  gives  power  and  fragrance 
and  beauty  to  the  home  and  to  society  wherever  the  true 
mother-spirit  prevails." 

The  first  time  this  flag  was  introduced,  it  was  in  con- 
nection with  a  very  simple  Mother's  Day  service  which 
Mr.  Moser  planned  for  his  own  Sunday  school.  He  tells 
of  it  in  this  way:  "A  class  of  girls,  one  bearing  the 
Mother's   Day  Flag,  marched  to  the  platform  from  one 


^6  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

side,  while  a  class  of  boys,  one  carrying  the  National 
Flag,  marched  to  the  platform  from  the  opposite  side — 
all  keeping  step  to  the  music.  The  boy,  holding  up  the 
National  Flag,  said  :  *  Three  cheers  for  the  Flag  of  our 
Country,  the  emblem  of  peace  and  good-will  to  men/ 
The  girl  flag-bearer  said :  *  Three  cheers  for  our  Mother's 
Flag,  the  emblem  of  purity,  loyalty,  and  love/  Then, 
uniting  the  two  flags,  the  boys  and  girls  repeated : 

"  *  To-day  we  unite  the  two  flags  that  we  love, 
And  honor  our  Saviour  who  came  from  above 
To  brighten  our  homes  and  to  bless  our  land, 
Then  give  us  a  place  at  His  own  right  hand.'  " 

Mother's  Day  Songs.     Two  songs  which  have  become 
quite  popular  are  given  below  : 


MOTHER 

(  Tune  «  America  ") 

**  Mother  !     That  precious  name, 
Forever  more  the  same. 
Earth's  sweetest  word  ! 
Though  ages  past  have  flown, 
No  sound  was  ever  known 
Like  that  dear  name  alone ! 
Or  ever  heard  ! 

"  From  childhood's  earliest  day, 
She  guarded  all  our  way, 
With  tenderest  care. 
She  shared  our  every  woe, 
Each  cherished  hope  did  know. 
Heard  every  whisper  low 
Of  childish  prayer. 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  57 

"  Our  Mother's  God,  to  Thee, 
In  deep  humiUty, 
We  Hft  our  prayer  : 
Keep  those  we  love  the  best 
Through  every  trial  and  test. 
And  may  they  ever  rest 
Safe  m  Thy  care." 


I'LL  WEAR  A  WHITE  FLOWER  FOR  YOU,  MOTHER 

DEAR 

{Jnserted  with  the  kind  permission  of  the  author ^  Mr.  Charles  M.  Fill- 
more, Indianapolis,  Ind.  The  chorus^  with  music,  may  be  obtained 
separately.') 

"  Mother  dear,  I've  been  thinking  much  of 

you  to-day. 
And  of  all  you  have  done  for  me  ; 
And  how  little  for  my  part  I  have  done  in 

return 
For  your  wonderful  love  so  free. 
As  a  token  of  my  gratitude, 
For  your  constant,  tender  care 
This  flower  white  upon  my  heart 
For  you  I'll  wear. 

**  'Tis  an  emblem,  dear  mother,  and  it 
speaks  of  you. 

In  a  language  of  mystic  lore ; 

Its  clear  whiteness  a  symbol  of  your  own 
purity, 

And  its  grace  of  the  form  you  wore  j 

While  its  fragrance  breathes  loving  sacri- 
fice, 

Faithful  service  rich  and  rare, 

And  so  this  flower  upon  my  heart 

For  you  I'll  wear. 


58  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

"  When  the  toils  of  the  earth  life,  mother 
dear,  are  o'er, 
With  its  sad,  bitter,  parting  tears, 
We  shall  meet  over  yonder  in  that  bright, 

better  world, 
Free  from  troubles  and  haunting  fears ; 
In  that  ever  sunny  Summerland, 
Amid  Eden's  bovvers  fair, 
Upon  my  heart  a  fadeless  flower 
For  you  I'll  wear. 

Chorus 
"  I'll  wear  a  white  flower  for  you,  mother  dear. 
The  best  friend  that  ever  I  knew,  mother  dear, 
So  gentle,  so  loving,  so  tender,  so  true ; 
I'll  wear  a  white  flower  for  you." 


FATHER'S  DAY 

In  many  ways  Father's  Day  lacks  the  sentiment  of 
Mother's  Day.  There  is,  nevertheless,  a  place  for  Father's 
Day,  and  some  schools  have  made  a  fine  success  of  it. 
The  day  has  been  observed  to  considerable  extent 
in  Providence  and  other  eastern  points,  also  in  Cali- 
fornia. 

Time.  The  third  Sunday  in  May,  the  Sunday  imme- 
diately following  Mother's  Day,  has  been  suggested  for 
the  observance  of  Father's  Day,  with  the  red  carnation 
as  the  flower  to  be  used,  the  white  carnation  being  used 
for  Mother's  Day. 

Banquet  Preceding  Father's  Day.  In  some  places  a 
committee  of  the  older  boys  arranges  a  banquet  for  the 
fathers  on  the  Friday  night  before  Father's  Day.  Every 
father  who  has  boys  in  the  school  is  invited  to  be  the 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  59 

guest  that  night  of  his  oldest  boy,  and  sits  with  him 
at  the  table.  Fathers  without  boys  in  the  school 
are  the  guests  of  some  other  boy,  so  that  every  father 
who  is  there  is  the  personal  guest  of  an  older  boy- 
member  of  the  school.  After-dinner  speeches  add  to 
the  interest. 

Program.  On  Sunday  the  Father's  Day  flower  is 
worn,  and  a  special  program  is  given  by  the  men  and 
boys.  The  Reverend  Charles  M.  Fillmore,  of  Indianap- 
olis, Indiana,  issues  a  pamphlet,  which  sells  for  ten  cents 
per  copy,  giving  readings  and  recitations  for  Father's 
Day,  many  of  which  are  very  choice.  An  original  talk 
or  paper  by  one  of  the  boys  about  "  Fathers  "  would  be 
appropriate,  also  a  short  address  by  the  pastor  upon  the 
virile  side  of  the  Christian  religion,  urging  the  fathers 
who  are  not  now  identified  with  the  church  and  school 
to  take  a  more  active  part.  "  The  Cotter's  Saturday 
Night "  would  be  an  appropriate  reading,  if  such  a  fea- 
ture is  desired.  There  are  many  appropriate  hymns, 
such  as  "  God  of  our  Fathers,"  "  The  Man  of  Galilee," 
"  Stand  up  for  Jesus,"  etc.  The  following  hymns  were 
written  and  copyrighted  by  the  Broadway  Baptist  Sun= 
day  School  of  Providence : 

FATHER'S  HYMN 

(^Tune,  "  The  Son  of  God  goes  forth  to  war  ") 

Oh,  Father's  Day,  how  much  'twill  mean, 

If  men  o'er  all  the  land 
Will  show  to  others  lives  so  clean, 

Lives  clean,  of  heart  and  hand. 
Then  their  example  will  be  felt 

O'er  all  this  world  so  wide. 
And  make  the  hardest  hearts  to  melt 

For  Christ  the  crucified. 


6o  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

The  Son  of  God  would  not  debar 

But  rather  would  He  train 
The  men  who  follow  from  afar 

To  closer  come  again. 
Who  now  will  follow  where  He  trod 

While  Jesus  leads  the  way  ? 
He  best  can  know  the  love  of  God 

Who  follows  day  by  day. 

The  Son  of  God,  His  all  He  gave, 

His  own  life-blood,  to  win 
Upon  the  cross  He  died  to  save 

And  free  men  from  their  sin. 
There  on  the  cross  after  man's  fall 

His  life-blood  did  outpour  ; 
Your  life  He  seeks,  He  wants  it  all, 

To  live  for  evermore. 

We  meet  to-day  to  praise  His  name, 

To  tell  His  wondrous  love, 
To  sing  in  song  our  cheerful  theme 

Of  that  blest  home  above. 
God  grant  that  this  our  Father's  Day 

May  help  set  some  men  free. 
Teach  them  to  follow  all  the  way, 

And  worship  only  Thee. 

— Albert  Knight. 

FATHER'S  HYMN 
(  Tune — "  America  ") 

God  bless  our  Fatherhood, 

Lead  them  closer  to  God, 

By  Thy  right  hand. 

With  living  force  so  strong 

Abolish  ev'ry  wrong. 

Fill  Thou  their  hearts  with  song, 

Through  this  broad  land. 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  61 

Make  character  supreme, 
Its  force  a  living  theme 
Let  honor  bring. 
'Twill  drive  dull  care  away, 
When  he  shall  hold  full  sway. 
On  this  our  Father's  Day, 
We'll  crown  him  King. 

So  teach  manhood  to  be, 
In  all  sincerity, 
Worthy  Thy  name. 
Forgive  men  when  they  pray. 
Keep  them  from  going  astray, 
And  lead  them  all  the  way 
Thy  help  to  claim. 

And  when  the  Fatherhood, 
In  songs  of  Brotherhood, 
Their  voices  raise, 
Make  all  the  sons  of  men 
Live  noble  lives,  and  then 
We  all  shall  say,  Amen, 
To  God  be  praise. 

— Albert  Knight. 


PARENTS'  DAY 

What  has  been  said  of  Mother's  Day  and  Father's  Day 
would,  if  combined,  make  a  good  outline  for  Parents' 
Day.  Both  v^rhite  and  red  carnations  might  be  worn — 
the  white  by  the  mothers  and  the  red  by  the  fathers. 
The  decorations  could  be  of  the  same  colors. 

In  one  school,  on  Parents'  Day,  families  sit  together, 
the  girls  sitting  next  to  the  mother  and  the  boys  next  to 
the  father. 


62  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

The  program  might  be  built  around  the  home  and  the 
Sunday  school  with,  perhaps,  a  talk  by  a  father  or 
mother  deeply  interested  in  the  work  of  the  Sunday 
school  on  **  The  Benefit  the  School  can  be  to  the 
Home,"  and  by  another  on  "  The  Benefit  the  Home  can 
be  to  the  School."  These  two  talks  would  make  the 
outline  of  a  very  helpful  program  that  would  do  much 
towards  tying  the  home  and  the  school  together.  Par- 
ents' Day  programs  may  be  obtained  from  the  publish- 
ing houses. 


MEN'S  DAY 

Let  the  men  of  the  Sunday  school  conduct  the  open- 
ing service,  giving  it  just  such  a  turn  as  they  like. 

A  male  chorus  might  sing.  All  of  the  men,  standing 
in  front  of  the  school,  might  sing  together  some  such 
song  as  "  The  Man  of  Galilee,"  or  other  appropriate  selec- 
tion. Somebody  could  tell  "  What  the  Sunday  School 
can  do  for  the  Men,"  and  another  "  What  the  Men  can 
do  for  the  Sunday  School,"  or  "  The  Magnitude  of  the 
Men's  Work  in  the  Sunday  School." 

All  the  men  of  the  church  and  the  fathers  of  the  chil- 
dren should  be  solicited  to  attend,  and  any  others  who 
can  be  reached. 

The  object  of  the  day  is  to  show  that  the  men  are 
really  in  the  Sunday  school.  Probably  three  million  of 
men  over  twenty-one  years  of  age  are  in  the  Sunday 
schools  of  North  America  to-day. 


FATHER-AND-SON  SUNDAY 
Father-and-Son  Sunday  may  be  held  at  any  time  of 
the  year,  and  should  be  confined  to  the  opening  service 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  63 

of  the  school.  Father-and-Son  Banquets  have  been 
heard  of  for  some  time,  but  Father-and-Son  Sunday  is 
comparatively  new. 

It  is  a  day  when  fathers  and  sons  come  together,  sit 
together,  and  have  special  recognition  in  a  brief  service 
prepared  particularly  for  them.  Of  course,  the  program 
should  be  very  carefully  arranged,  avoiding  anything  that 
looks  like  mere  entertainment.  Great  interest  would  be 
added  if  three  generations  could  be  present — father,  son, 
and  grandson.  A  brief  talk  by  a  father  and  another 
by  a  son,  each  presenting  from  his  own  standpoint  his 
views  of  the  relation  of  father  and  son  in  the  Christian 
life,  would  be  very  appropriate.  It  is  not  the  purpose 
of  this  book  to  give  programs,  but  rather  to  call  forth 
the  ingenuity,  originality,  and  genius  of  its  readers  to 
prepare  their  own  programs,  thus  insuring  freshness  and 
local  adaptation. 

Such  a  day  affords  a  fine  opportunity  for  boys  in  the 
Sunday  school  to  bring  fathers  who  do  not  attend,  and 
possibly  for  fathers  to  bring  sons  who  do  not  attend. 


OLD  PEOPLE'S  DAY 

(Old  Folks'  Day) 

This  is  intended  to  be  a  day  when  the  gray  hairs  of 
the  fathers  and  mothers  and  old  people  generally  are 
honored.  Special  effort  is  made  to  get  as  large  a 
number  present  as  possible.  Carriages  or  automobiles 
should  be  sent  for  those  who,  otherwise,  would  be  un- 
able to  attend. 

It  would  be  well  if  the  program  were  made  up  of  re- 
marks from  the  old  people,  and  songs  by  them  as  well. 


64  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

If  it  were  advertised  in  advance  that  one  of  the  old 
church  hymns  was  to  be  sung  by  a  choir  no  member 
of  which  was  under  seventy  years  of  age,  it  would  create 
much  interest.  The  oldest  man  or  woman  might  be 
seated  on  the  platform,  and  shown  some  distinctive 
honor.  It  would  be  fine,  too,  to  present  some  flowers, 
especially  to  those  above  a  given  age. 


HOME  DEPARTMENT  DAY 
Home  Department  Day  should  occur  at  least  annually, 
occupying  the  opening  service  of  the  school.  Early  in 
the  fall,  possibly  just  preceding  or  just  following  Rally 
Day,  is  a  good  time,  though  any  time  will  do.  The 
program  should  be  prepared  by  the  superintendent  of 
the  school,  the  superintendent  of  the  department,  and 
the  church  visitor. 

Securing  Attendance.  There  are  many  members  of 
the  Home  Department  who  are  able  to  attend  on  a 
special  occasion,  but  who  cannot  attend  regularly. 
The  presence  of  all  the  members  of  the  Department 
should  be  secured  so  far  as  possible.  This  will  require 
that  some  of  the  aged  and  feeble  be  brought  in  car- 
riages or  automobiles  or  invalid  chairs.  There  are,  of 
course,  plenty  of  men  who  are  ready  to  render  this 
choice  service. 

The  Program.  The  superintendent  of  the  Depart- 
ment should  briefly  outline  the  work  the  Department  is 
trying  to  do,  giving  the  enrollment,  and,  possibly,  reading 
the  names  of  the  members,  or  these  names  may  be  in 
the  program  if  one  is  printed.  A  short  talk  on  "  The 
blessings  that  come  from  being  a  member  of  the  Sunday 
school  through  the  Home  Department "  might  be  given 


Departmental  and  Related  Days  65 

by  a  member  of  the  Department.  As  the  Home  Depart- 
ment always  contributes  money,  it  would  be  well  to  make 
some  report  as  to  what  has  been  done  with  this  money 
during  the  past  year.  This  will  interest  the  whole  school. 
If  there  are  correspondence  members  of  the  Department, 
as  there  often  are,  composed  of  those  who  were  at  one 
time  members  and  have  moved  away  but  who  still  main- 
tain their  membership,  letters  should  be  solicited  from 
them  to  be  read  on  this  occasion.  Everything  possible 
should  be  done  to  indicate  that  the  Home  Department  is 
not  a  separate  organization,  but  that  its  members  are  really 
a  part  of  the  school.  The  pastor  and  the  superintendent 
could  give  a  few  words  of  welcome.  The  oldest  member 
present,  perhaps  both  the  oldest  man  and  the  oldest 
woman,  could  be  seated  on  the  platform.  All  the  mem- 
bers who  can  remain  throughout  the  session  can  join 
the  Home  Department  Class  regularly  maintained  in  the 
school  and  composed  of  such  members  of  the  Depart- 
ment as  can  attend.  (The  attendance  in  such  a  class 
will,  of  course,  be  irregular,  but  it  affords  the  members 
a  place  of  their  own  when  they  can  attend.) 

Souvenir.  Present  each  member  of  the  Home  De- 
partment with  the  school  flower  or  some  other  souvenir 
of  the  occasion.  We  are  just  beginning  to  recognize 
the  power  of  the  Home  Department. 


OFFICERS'  DAY 
The  program  for  this  day  would  be  carried  on  in  much 
the  usual  manner,  except  that  two  or  three  minutes  would 
be  given  to  each  of  the  main  officers,  including  the  sec- 
retary, treasurer,  librarian,  superintendent  of  classification, 
director  of  education,  etc. ,  to  present  to  the  school  such 


66  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

items  as  should  have  their  attention,  and  in  which  their 
Interest  is  sought.  By  having  the  different  officers  pre- 
sent these  things,  more  interest  is  created  than  if  the 
superintendent,  or  one  person,  should  do  it  all. 


IV 

RALLY  DAY 

{Home-Coming  Day — Roll  Call  Day — Every  Member 
Present  Day,  etc.) 

Its  Opportunity.  Rally  Day,  true  to  its  name,  gives 
opportunity  for  gathering  together  the  entire  member- 
ship of  the  school  and  as  many  as  possible  of  the  church 
members,  parents  and  friends,  for  a  grand  rally  before 
undertaking  the  campaign  of  the  fall  and  winter.  Com- 
ing, as  it  usually  does,  at  the  end  of  September  or  the 
first  of  October,  it  affords  an  excellent  opportunity  for 
gathering  the  stragglers  together,  strengthening  the  weak 
places,  and  making  definite  plans  for  the  future.  The 
last  Sunday  in  September  is  the  most  popular  day,  as 
it  marks  a  suitable  break  in  both  the  uniform  and  graded 
lessons. 

Promotion  Day.  In  many  schools.  Rally  Day  is  used 
as  Promotion  Day  as  well.  If  promotions  are  conducted, 
there  will  not  be  time  for  much  of  anything  else.  Pro- 
motion Day  is  one  of  the  very  few  days  to  which  it  is 
sometimes  advisable  to  give  the  entire  Sunday-school 
hour. 

Attendance  Devices.  Probably  no  other  festival  day 
of  the  year  has  developed  such  a  wealth  and  variety  of 
printed  matter  as  Rally  Day.  Fancy  post-cards  galore  and 
all  sorts  of  designs  and  pictures  are  called  into  use.  Some 
are  very  unique  and  effective,  while  others  are  ridicu- 
lously funny  and  a  burlesque  upon  the  whole  Sunday- 
school  work.     The  day,  however,  when  properly  con- 

67 


68  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

ducted,  is  a  very  profitable  one,  and  has,  as  a  rule,  the 
largest  attendance  of  any  Sunday  of  the  year.  Pennants 
or  banners  are  often  given  to  the  classes  that  have  their 
entire  enrollment  present. 

Some  Card  Methods.  One  school  wanted  an  attend- 
ance of  five  hundred.  They  hung  up  five  hundred  cards 
in  such  a  way  that  they  covered  a  large  board,  like 
a  blackboard ;  underneath  was  a  motto  or  picture.  As 
the  classes  reported,  the  cards  were  taken  down,  reveal- 
ing the  picture,  which  would  not  all  appear  unless  all 
five  hundred  cards  were  removed.  Other  schools  have 
similar  cards,  but  they  are  given  out  to  the  members 
beforehand,  and  as  the  scholars  come  into  the  room,  the 
cards  are  gathered  and  hung  on  a  frame  for  this  purpose, 
each  card  bearing  the  name  of  the  member.  This  can  be 
done  where  the  school  is  not  too  large.  In  one  school, 
"  200,"  which  was  the  Rally  Day  goal,  was  printed  upon 
a  screen,  and  entirely  covered  with  the  cards  when  they 
were  in  place. 

Vacation  Envelope.  Some  schools  begin  to  work  for 
Rally  Day  at  the  beginning  of  the  vacation.  One  school 
gives  out  Vacation  Envelopes  to  all  who  leave  the  city. 
These  envelopes  contain  an  introduction  card,  absentee 
cards,  a  little  Gospel  of  John,  a  small  American  flag,  an 
advertisement  of  Rally  Day,  etc.  Rally  Day  is  thus 
looked  forward  to  and  kept  in  mind  all  summer.  The 
scholars  are  asked  to  procure,  during  the  vacation,  a 
fagot  for  the  "  Fagot  Fire/'  which  in  this  case  is  used 
for  the  entire  school  and  not  for  the  workers  only. 

Rally  Day  Social.  Then,  a  great  Sunday-school  social 
is  held  just  preceding  Rally  Day.  This  affords  a  fine 
opportunity  for  advertising.  If  every  department  of  the 
school  has  some  feature  in  the  program  for  the  social,  no 


Rally  Day  69 

department  knowing  what  the  other  departments  are 
gomg  to  do,  there  is  hkely  to  be  a  very  pleasing  variety 
that  will  make  the  program  interesting. 

Pre-Departmental  Rallies.  It  is  a  good  thing  to  have 
departmental  rallies  on  the  Sunday  before  the  main  rally 
These  will  strengthen  the  main  rally  and  give  the  depart- 
ments a  good  boost  at  the  same  time. 

Pre-Evangelistic  Meetings.  A  good  many  schools 
these  days  are  dropping  out  the  spectacular  entirely,  and 
building  up  the  Rally  Day  around  an  educational  or  a 
missionary  program,  while  others  build  it  around  the 
evangelistic  idea,  having  a  week  of  meetings  of  an  evan- 
gelistic nature,  with  special  features  and  topics  each 
night,  and  closing  with  Sunday  of  Rally  Day. 

March  of  Departments.  In  some  schools,  the  depart- 
ments enter  the  main  auditorium  on  Rally  Day  singing 
an  appropriate  hymn— the  Home  Department  singing 
"  How  Firm  a  Foundation,"  the  children  singing  songs 
appropriate  to  them,  and  so  on.  The  departments  march- 
ing in,  in  order,  beginning  with  the  Cradle  Roll,  then  the 
Beginners,  through  to  the  Home  Department,  present  a 
beautiful  picture,  and  one  that  will  never  be  forgotten. 

Roll-Call.  If  the  school  is  not  too  large,  a  roll-call  is 
effective.  It  may  be  conducted  somewhat  as  follows: 
The  general  officers  may  be  called  by  name,  each  one 
rising  and  repeating  a  Bible  verse.  Then  the  classes 
may  be  called,  the  entire  class  rising,  and  the  teacher,  or 
one  of  the  scholars,  speaking  for  the  class,  tell  how  many 
are  enrolled,  how  many  are  present,  the  amount  of  their 
offering  (if  offerings  are  taken),  and  any  other  informa- 
tion that  would  be  desirable ;  then,  the  whole  class,  before 
sitting  down,  might  repeat  a  Bible  verse  learned  for  the 
occasion. 


yo  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

From  Three  to  Ninety.  One  school  had  a  very  in- 
teresting feature  given  by  men  and  boys.  The  first  boy 
on  the  platform  was  three  years  old,  the  next  five,  the 
next  ten,  the  next  fifteen  ;  then  older  persons,  one  twenty, 
one  twenty-five,  one  thirty,  one  thirty-five;  and  so  on, 
up  as  high  as  they  could  go.  The  little  fellow  started  in 
with  a  very  simple  verse,  "  God  is  Love,"  the  older  ones 
giving  verses  a  Httle  longer.  The  last  one  to  speak  was 
an  old  man  of  ninety.  Unable  to  stand,  sitting  in  a 
wheel-chair,  he  repeated  in  a  clear,  silvery  voice,  "  I  have 
been  young,  and  now  am  old ;  yet  have  I  not  seen  the 
righteous  forsaken,  nor  his  seed  begging  bread."  The 
superintendent,  telling  of  the  day,  said  that  when  the  old 
man  finished  speaking,  there  was  not  a  dry  eye  in  the 
house.  Then  all  the  company  of  men  and  boys  on  the 
platform  repeated  together, "  So  we  thy  people  and  sheep 
of  thy  pasture  will  give  thee  thanks  forever:  we  will 
show  forth  thy  praise  to  all  generations."  Then  the 
audience  repeated  the  Twenty-third  Psalm.  "  I  never 
witnessed  anything  more  impressive  in  my  life,"  was  the 
testimony  of  one  man. 

A  Responsive  Reading.  The  following  helpful  and 
suggestive  responsive  reading  was  used  as  a  Rally  Day 
feature  in  the  First  Baptist  Sunday  School  of  Hartford, 
Connecticut : 


OUR  IMMEDIATE  TASK 
The  Field  : 

Pastor — How  great  is  our  field  ? 
All—"  The  field  is  the  world"  (Matt.  xiii.  38). 
Superintendent — When  is  the  harvest  time  ? 
-All — "  Say  not  ye.  There  are  yet  four  months  and  then  cometh 
the  harvest  ?     Behold,  I  say  unto  you.  Lift  up  your  eyes  and 


Rally  Day  yi 

look  on  the  fields,  that  they  are  white  already  unto  harvest  '* 

(John  iv.  35). 
Ass't   Sup't—AvQ  there  any  children  and  youth  of  Protestant 

families  in  Hartford  not  enrolled  in  its  Bible  schools  ? 
^//— There  are  thousands  of  such  and  it  is  our  business  to  win 

them   even  as  Jesus  commanded — "  Go  out  quickly  into  the 

streets  and  lanes  of  the  city,  and  bring  in  hither  the  poor  and 

maimed  and  blind  and  lame     ...     and  constrain  them  to 

come  in,  that  my  house  may  be  filled  "  (Luke  xiv.  21,  23). 
The  Workers  : 

Teachers — What  should  be  the  spirit  of  the  workers  ? 
Scholars—**  I  heard  the  voice  of  the  Lord,  saying.  Whom  shall 

I  send  and  who  will  go  for  us  ?     Then  I  said.  Here  am  I ; 

send  me  "  (Isa.  vi.  8). 
Teachers — Is  there  need  for  haste  ? 
Scholars—**  We   must  work    the  works  of  Him  that   sent  me 

while  it  is  day :  the  night  cometh,  when  no  man  can  work  " 

(John  ix.  4). 
Women  and  Girls — How  earnest  should  the  workers  be  ? 
Men  and  Boys— **  My  beloved  brother,  be  ye  steadfast,  unmov- 
able,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  forasmuch  as 
ye  know  that  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord  "  (i  Cor 
XV.  58).  ^  * 

Women  and  G/rA— When  should  we  begin  ? 
Men  and  Boys—**  Son,  go  work  to-day  in  the  vineyard  "  (Matt. 

XXI.   28 J. 

The  Power : 

Pastor— ?Yom  whom  shall  the  workers  receive  help  ? 

Jll—c<  But  ye  shall  receive  power,  when  the  Holy  Spirit  is 
come  upon  you  "  (Acts  i.  8). 

j^ss't  Sup't — Will  our  work  fail  without  Christ  ? 

All—**  Apart  from  me  ye  can  do  nothing  '*  (John  xv.  5). 

Teachers— YIq^  shall  God  equip  us  ? 

Scholars—**  Be  strong  in  the  Lord  and  in  the  strength  of  His 
might.  Put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able 
to  stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  devil  "  (Eph.  vi.  10,  1 1). 


72  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

The  Result : 

Women  and  Girls — What  promise  is  given  to  the  workers  ? 

Men  and  Boys — "  Let  him  know,  that  he  who  converteth  a  sin- 
ner from  the  error  of  his  way  shall  save  a  soul  from  death,  and 
shall  cover  a  multitude  of  sins"  (James  v.  20). 

Pastor — What  recompense  shall  be  theirs  ? 

All — "  He  that  reapeth  receiveth  wages  and  gathereth  fruit  unto 
life  eternal.  And  they  that  are  wise  shall  shine  as  the  bright- 
ness of  the  firmament ;  and  they  that  turn  many  to  righteous- 
ness as  the  stars  forever  and  ever  "  (John  iv.  36  ;  Dan.  xii.  3). 

A  Lighthouse.  One  school  had  a  lighthouse  built 
of  red  bricks  made  of  pasteboard.  Songs  were  sung 
about  letting  the  lights  burn,  and  there  were  talks  on 
"  How  the  Sunday  school  can  let  its  light  shine."  A 
high-powered  electric  light  was  turned  on  in  the  top  of 
the  lighthouse,  thus  making  it  very  realistic  and  impressive. 

Mobilization.  The  North  Baptist  Church  of  Camden, 
New  Jersey,  used,  recently,  with  good  effect,  a  program 
built  about  war  terms.  In  these  days  of  war  the  words 
"  Mobihzation,"  "  Call  to  Arms,"  are  suggestive.  The 
officers  of  the  school  were,  for  this  day,  given  army 
names,  the  building  was  known  as  Headquarters,  the 
pastor  as  the  Corps-Commander,  the  superintendent  as 
the  Commander  of  the  Sunday-School  Division. 

A  Flag-Raising.  Sometimes  a  Flag-Raising  is  held 
with  appropriate  exercises.  A  pole  can  be  attached  to 
the  platform  upon  which  to  raise  the  flag,  or  a  pulley 
may  be  attached  to  the  ceiling  and  the  flag  pulled  up 
with  a  rope. 

Fishing  Trip.  A  Rally  Day  Fishing  Trip  was  held 
in  the  Westminster  Sunday  School,  Lethbridge,  Alberta, 
the  first  Sunday  school  in  Alberta  to  get  "  all  the  church 
in  the  Sunday  school."     Of  the  two  hundred  and  thirty- 


Rally  Day  72 

one  on  the  roll,  two  hundred  and  twenty-two  were  pres- 
ent, seven  being  sick  and  two  out  of  the  city.  The  pur- 
pose of  the  program  was  to  enlist  and  inspire  the  full 
membership  to  hear  and  obey  Him  who  said,  "  Come  ye 
after  me,  and  I  will  make  you  to  become  fishers  of  men." 
On  the  Sunday  preceding  Rally  Day  an  illustrated  leaflet 
emphasizing  the  importance  of  the  "  fishing  trip  "  was 
distributed  as  a  final  "  call  to  the  colors."  The  following 
is  an  account  of  the  service  taken  from  the  Sunday  School 
Times  : 

"  On  Rally  Day  the  first  speaker,  armed  with  a  rod, 
hook,  and  hne,  talked  about  preparing  to  fish,  the  enthu- 
siasm of  the  fisherman,  locating  the  stream,  and  procur- 
ing the  bait.  Another  told  how  the  fishing  was  actually 
done,  how  to  catch  the  different  kinds  of  fish,  the  quali- 
ties of  the  successful  fisherman,  etc.  The  ideas  were 
demonstrated  by  casting  the  hne,  and  sure  enough  a 
real  fish  (though  dead)  was  landed.  A  third  speaker 
had  a  <  string '  of  real  fish,  and  explained  what  should 
be  done  with  the  fish  after  they  were  caught.  There 
were  three  special  '  fishing  '  musical  numbers  by  the  Ele- 
mentary Department.  All  present  were  given  a  souvenir 
book-mark  showing  a  cut  of  the  pastor  and  class  presi- 
dents, and  pointing  to  the  results  of  a  poor  or  successful 
'  catch.' 

"  As  a  result  of  '  going  fishing '  on  Rally  Day  the 
school  is  now  on  a  six  weeks'  '  fishing  expedition.'  A 
large  chart  at  the  front  of  the  church  extends  an  invita- 
tion, tells  the  congregation  that  the  school  is  aiming  to 
get  one  hundred  new  members,  and  shows  the  results  of 
each  week's  *  catch.'  The  *  fishermen '  set  out  on  this 
expedition  with  confidence,  realizing  that  every  member 
being  '  on  deck'  to  receive  the  special  lessons  on  fishing 


74  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

on  Rally  Day  will  show  the  fish  that  every  member  of 
the  fishing  crew  has  a  vision  of  what  it  will  mean  to 
them  if  they  have  a  good  catch,  and  if  they  don't  catch 
anything,  to  the  person  who  is  caught  and  to  the  person 
who  is  not  caught." 

A  Cruise.  One  Minneapolis  school  observed  Rally 
Day  recently  as  a  Cruise.  The  program  is  so  unique 
that  we  are  passing  it  on.  It  is  headed  with  the  picture 
of  a  sailing  yacht : 


**  He  paid  his  fate  and  went ''  (Jonah  i.  3). 

Sail  at  12  d clock  sharp. 

We  want  you  to  be  one  of  500  passengers.  Invite  a  friend  to 
enjoy  the  trip  with  you. 

II :  S5  ^'  ^'  Music  by  Orchestra  on  the  Forecastle.  (Pas- 
sengers and  Crew  come  on  board.) 

Weighing  the  Anchor.     (Sing  93  and  89.) 

A  Message  to  the  Master  of  the  Waves.  By  the  Navigating 
Officer. 

Consulting  Our  Chart.     Led  by  the  First  Mate. 

Leader — Who  is  our  Pilot  ? 

School — If  I  take  the  wings  of  the  morning  and  dwell  in  the 
uttermost  parts  of  the  sea,  even  there  shall  thy  hand  lead  me  and 
thy  right  hand  shall  hold  me. 

Leader — What  are  our  Clearance  Papers  ? 

School — For  God  so  loved  the  world  that  He  gave  His  only  be- 
gotten Son,  that  whosoever  belie veth  in  Him  should  not  perish  but 
have  everlasting  hfe. 

Leader — What  is  our  Chart  ? 

School — All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God,  and  is 
profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in 
righteousness.  Study  to  show  thyself  approved  unto  God  ;  a  work- 
man that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word 
of  truth. 


Rally  Day  75 

Leader — What  is  our  Compass  ? 

School — Howbeit,  when  He,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come.  He 
will  guide  you  into  all  truth. 

The  Spirit  searcheth  all  things ;  yea,  even  the  deep  things  of 
God. 

Leader — What  is  our  Anchor  ? 

School — Now  the  God  of  hope  fill  you  with  all  joy  and  peace  in 
believing  that  ye  may  abound  in  hope,  through  the  power  of  the 
Holy  Spirit,  which  hope  we  have  as  an  anchor  to  the  soul,  both 
sure  and  steadfast. 

Leader — What  Currents  are  we  to  Avoid  ? 

School — Enter  not  into  the  path  of  the  wicked,  and  go  not  in  the 
way  of  evil  men. 

Leader — What  is  our  Course  ? 

School— I  am  the  Way,  the  Truth  and  the  Life  ;  no  man  cometh 
unto  the  Father  but  by  me. 

Leader — What  is  our  Port  of  Destination  ? 

School — We  are  journeying  unto  the  place  of  which  the  Lord 
said,  "  I  will  give  it  you."  Looking  for  a  city  which  hath  foun- 
dations, whose  builder  and  maker  is  God. 

First  Stop  at  Cradle  Cliff.     (To  pick  some  flowers.) 

Cruising  Past  Beginners'  Beach. 

Rounding  Primary  Point. 

School  of  Practice. 

Receiving  a  Wireless. 

Settling  With  the  Purser.     (No  change.) 

Instruction  From  Experienced  Voyagers.     (Three  minutes.) 

*^  Dangers  of  the  Voyage^"*  (Temptations). 

"  The  Compass  "  (Conscience). 

''The  Chart''  (Bible). 

«  Our  Pilot "  (Jesus). 

"  Ltfe    Saving   Stations  "  (Church   and  Sunday  school). 

Orchestra — Five  minutes  to  mark  books  and  welcome  new 
scholars. 

Closing — No.  146. 

Department  Plans.    As  a  part  of  a  Rally  Day  pro- 


76  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

gram,  the  departmental  superintendents  might  very  briefly 
outline  their  plans  for  the  fall  and  winter. 

All  Day  Rally.  The  whole  day  is  coming  to  be  called 
Rally  Day :  the  morning  church  service  being  a  Church 
Rally,  the  meeting  of  the  young  people's  society  in  the 
evening  being  a  Society  Rally,  and  the  evening  church 
service  being  a  general  fellowship  meeting  or  rally  of  all 
the  departments  of  the  church. 

New  Year's  Denominational  Rally.  A  "  New  Year's 
Morning  United  Rally"  of  all  the  Methodist  Sunday 
schools  in  Winnipeg,  Manitoba,  has  been  conducted  in 
Grace  Methodist  Church  for  twenty-six  consecutive  years, 
growing  annually  in  volume  and  value.  The  Presby- 
terians of  the  city  held  a  similar  Rally  this  year,  at  the 
same  hour.  Each  denomination  sent  a  representative  to 
the  other  gathering,  conveying  their  greetings. 

Rally  Month.  Some  churches  extend  the  Rally  idea 
throughout  the  entire  month,  having  on  one  Sunday  a 
program  of  special  music,  on  another  a  talk  on  some 
special  subject,  on  another  a  program  given  by  the  Be- 
ginners' and  Primary  Departments,  on  another,  perhaps, 
a  program  given  by  the  Junior  Department.  Still  other 
churches  have  Rally  Week.  Monday  night  the  program 
would  be  under  the  direction  of  the  church  proper ; 
Tuesday  night  possibly  a  rally  of  the  Brotherhood ; 
Wednesday  night  a  rally  of  the  Women's  organizations, 
such  as  the  Aid  Society,  Missionary  Societies,  etc. ; 
Thursday  night  a  rally  of  the  Sunday  school ;  Friday 
night  a  rally  of  the  young  people's  societies;  then  on 
Sunday  the  grand  culmination  rally. 

A  Look  Ahead.  In  order  that  the  Rally  Day  serv- 
ices may  be  the  most  effective  and  the  benefits  of  Rally 
Day  the  most  enduring,  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  in 


Rally  Day  77 

mind  beforehand  the  program  for  the  entire  year,  with 
all  of  the  plans  definitely  mapped  out.  Suppose,  for 
example,  the  year's  plan  includes  a  campaign  for  Or- 
ganized Adult  or  Secondary  Classes.  The  special  fea- 
tures of  the  service  for  Rally  Day  should  be  made  to 
center  about  this  idea,  and  thus  fix  it  in  the  minds  of  all 
who  are  present.  The  very  advertising  of  any  special 
campaign  of  this  sort  through  the  Rally  Day  printed 
matter  would,  in  itself,  have  a  good  effect.  As  the  camp 
life  of  an  army  has  continually  as  its  central  thought  the 
battle-field  of  the  by  and  by,  so  Rally  Day  should  help 
to  fit  the  school  to  carry  out  the  broad  and  far-reaching 
plans  that  are  projected  into  the  future. 

The  Offering.  An  offering  is  usually  taken  on  Rally 
Day  for  some  particular  purpose,  and  generally  gathered 
in  some  unique  way.  A  small  ship,  named  Korea,  was 
used  recently  in  the  school  of  which  Mr.  John  R.  Pepper, 
of  Memphis,  is  the  superintendent,  as  a  depositary  for  the 
offerings,  which  were  for  the  denominational  work  in 
Korea.  The  writer's  school  in  Chicago  had,  one  year, 
two  little  boys  dressed  in  overalls  like  farmers,  with  straw 
hats,  drawing  a  small  express  wagon  in  which  the  gifts 
were  placed.  Another  year  they  had  a  large  pumpkin 
hollowed  out,  and  the  money  was  dropped  through  a 
slit  cut  in  it  for  the  purpose.  A  large  cornucopia  held 
by  a  young  woman  has  also  been  used  with  good  effect. 

There  is  generally  a  Processional,  the  classes  marching 
past  the  money  receptacle,  carrying  their  pennants  or 
banners.  Usually  a  great  deal  is  made  of  this  feature  of 
Rally  Day. 

Some  denominations  suggest  that  the  Rally  Day  offer- 
ing be  given  to  the  Sunday-school  work  or  some  phase 
of  the  denominational  work.    This  is  very  good.     Where 


78  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

there  is  no  definite  plan  of  this  kind,  the  offering  might 
be  given  to  the  organized  Sunday-school  work,  turning 
it  into  the  treasury  of  the  County  Sunday  School  Asso- 
ciation. 

The  Decorations.  The  decorations  for  Rally  Day  may 
be  products  of  the  field  and  autumn  leaves.  There  is  no 
lack  of  material. 

Automobiles.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  send  automobiles 
for  those  who  could  not  otherwise  attend.  One  school 
in  Omaha  designated  certain  points  where  automobiles 
would  pass  at  certain  times,  and  those  who  were  there 
were  picked  up  and  taken  to  the  church. 

Tells  For  the  Future.  Whatever  is  done  or  is  not 
done  on  Rally  Day,  it  should  be  kept  clearly  in  mind 
that  Rally  Day  is  to  the  Fall  Campaign  what  the  Drill 
Ground  is  to  the  Battle.  A  definite  campaign  should 
be  outlined,  and  every  effort  put  forth  to  make  the  day 
tell  for  the  future.  The  momentum  gained  on  a  well- 
attended,  properly  conducted  Rally  Day  will  give  the 
school  strength  and  courage  for  the  entire  fall  and  winter. 


ANNIVERSARY  DAYS 

ANNIVERSARY  DAY 
Opportunity  to  Develop  School  Spirit.  With  many 
schools,  Anniversary  Day  is  regarded  as  one  of  the 
greatest  festivals  of  the  year.  There  is  probably  no 
occasion  which  the  school  celebrates  that  has  the  same 
opportunity  for  developing  school  spirit,  particularly  if  it 
is  made  an  occasion  of  conferring  honors  upon  those  who 
have  reached  a  certain  degree  of  proficiency  during  the 
year  that  has  just  closed.  There  is  no  regular  time  for 
observing  the  day,  as  it  is  usually  held  near  the  anni- 
versary of  the  organization  of  the  church  or  Sunday 
school.  It  should  properly  be  held  about  a  month  after 
the  regular  Anniversary  Day  to  allow  time  for  prepara- 
tion. Some  schools  combine  it  with  Children's  Day  or 
with  Promotion  Day,  while  others  connect  it  with  the 
picnic.  It  would  seem  better,  however,  to  let  it  stand 
alone,  and  to  make  a  great  deal  of  it. 

Sunday  Evening  Church  Service.  If  possible,  let  the 
Anniversary  Day  Service  be  given  the  right  of  way  at  a 
regular  church  service  hour,  preferably  on  Sunday  night, 
making  it  the  occasion  of  conferring  honors.  If  the 
school  is  seated  in  the  central  part  of  the  auditorium,  it 
gives  opportunity  for  inviting  the  members  of  the  church 
not  identified  with  the  school,  the  parents  of  the  children, 
and  other  friends.     It  is  one  of  the  best  opportunities  the 

79 


8o  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

school  can  have  of  making  an  impression  upon  the  church 
and  also  upon  the  parents  of  the  scholars.  Many  schools 
make  the  Anniversary  an  occasion  of  securing  the  pres- 
ence of  former  superintendents  and  teachers,  and  also 
of  having  an  address,  perhaps  from  a  former  pastor  or 
worker. 

Diplomas.  Thousands  of  Sunday  schools  are  now 
issuing  certificates  and  diplomas  in  recognition  of  faith- 
ful attendance  and  lesson  study.  Many  use  what  is 
known  as  the  Robert  Raikes  Diploma,  which  is  a  beau- 
tifully lithographed  certificate,  fourteen  by  seventeen 
inches,  given  (framed  usually)  to  the  members  for  their 
first  year  of  honor  record.  Spaces  in  the  margin  for  six 
seals  of  different  colors — one  to  be  presented  each  year 
— give  the  certificate  a  seven  year  life,  and  also  a  cumu- 
lative value. 

The  Arch  Ceremony.  The  writer  has  for  many  years 
made  much  of  Anniversary  Day,  making  it  somewhat 
spectacular  by  the  use  of  arches,  which  are  either  made 
of  different  colors  corresponding  to  the  different  seals 
upon  the  diploma,  or  one  arch  is  used  with  colored 
drapings  corresponding  to  the  seals,  one  color  being  re- 
moved and  another  put  in  its  place  for  the  various  years. 
For ,  example,  all  members  earning  their  first  year's 
recognition  receive  their  framed  diploma  as  they  pass 
through  a  white  arch  draped  in  white  ribbons.  Those 
who  receive  the  second  year's  recognition  pass  through 
the  same  arch,  but  the  drapings  have  been  changed  to 
red.  (These  are  so  arranged  that  the  change  can  be 
made  in  an  instant.)  For  the  third  year,  the  drapings 
are  blue ;  the  fourth,  green  ;  the  fifth,  purple ;  the  sixth, 
silver ;  the  seventh,  gold.  A  printed  program  giving  the 
names   of  the   Honor  Members    for   the  various   years 


Anniversary  Days  gi 

avoids  the  necessity  of  reading  them.  It  may  be  helpful 
to  reproduce  the  last  program  given  by  the  Sunday 
school  in  Chicago  with  which  the  writer  is  now  con- 
nected. 


Soutb  Congreoational 
Sunba^  Scbool 

CHICAGO 


Sunday,  January  30th,  1916 

SEVEN-THIRTY  P.  M. 


OUR  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  CREED 

dr^d^^ld^r?ylV\%lr^^^^^^  '"  the  brief  period  of  one  hun- 

pany  of  ChrisHan  r^i^  ..A  ^"PPl'^s  a  voluntary,  unpaid  and  trained  com- 

REV.  H.  E.  PEABODY,  Pastor 
MARION  LAV^RANCE,  Superintendent 


82  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 


PROGRAM 


1.  Overture— •*  Aida  March  " 

Our  Sunday-School  Orchestra 

2.  Processional — "  Solvejg's  Song  " 

Orchestra 

3.  (All  Rise  at  Bugle  Call,  Then  Sing)— 


G,  Verdis 
E,  Grieg 

1  tn6 


^ 


Tr*: 


S 


T-'i'--^^ 


-?«— ^~^— > 


1    vas  glad  Trben  thej  wi  oa-to    m.    Let    ns  go    ia  -  to  th»  boose  of  the    Lori 


SBJ^^i^^ii^ 


glad 


vben  tboy  said. 


i 


^-p 


a^ife 


^Pl 


s^ 


J=5 


1  was  glad  vlieii  they  said.  Let  as     go  in  -  to  the  house  of  tbe    Lori 


^ 


Responsive  Reading — 

Pastor — The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fullness  thereof ;  the 
world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein.  For  He  hath  founded 
it  upon  the  seas,  and  established  it  upon  the  floods. 

School — Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord?  or  who 
shall  stand  in  His  holy  place  ? 

Pastor — He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure  heart ;  who  hath 
not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity,  nor  sworn  deceitfully* 
He  shall  receive  the  blessing  from  the  Lord,  and  righteous- 
ness from  the  God  of  his  salvation. 

School — This  is  the  generation  of  them  that  seek  him,  that  seek 
thy  face,  O  Jacob. 

Pastor — Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates ;  and  be  ye  lifted  up,  ye 
everlasting  doors. 

School — (Sing  first  stanza  of  Response.) 


Anniversary  Days 


83 


'■t^:F=^- 


-^- 


je^jeSe^ 


=i:bjS:35C: 


m 


t  And  the  King  of  61o-ry  shall  come  in,  aad  the  King  of  6I0  -  ry  shall  come  in. 

2.  The       Lord  strong  and  migh  -  ty,    tho      Lord  migh  -  ty  in  bat    -    tie. 

8.  And  the  King  of  61o-ry  shall  come  in,  and  the  King  ef  6I0  -  ry  shall  come  io. 

4.  The     Lord  of  Hosts,  He  is   the  King,  He     is  the  King-  ct  glo    -     ry. 


£ 


si^r^^ipife^^ 


Copyright,  1889,  by  Cong'l  S.  S.  Pub.  Soc.     Used  by  permission. 

Pastor — Who  is  this  King  of  Glory  ? 

School — (Sing  second  stanza  of  Response.) 

Pastor — Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates;  even  lift  them  up,  ye 

everlasting  doors. 
School — (Sing  third  stanza  of  Response.) 
Pastor — Who  is  this  King  of  Glory  ? 
School — (Sing  fourth  stanza  of  Response.) 

5.  Prayer — 

By  the  Pastor 

6.  Anniversary  Hymn — (Arranged    for    South    Congregational 

Sunday  School) 

1.  Thro'  Thy  great  mercy,  O  God,  and  Thy  blessing, 

Our  School  has  come  to  the  end  of  the  year ; 
Accept  the  gratitude  we  come  to  Thee  confessing ; 
Oh,  by  Thy  presence  be  graciously  near — 

Refrain  : 

O  hear  us  while  we  sing, 

To  Thee  our  prayers  we  bring ; 
Our  School  to  Thee  loyal  will  be, 

Thou  Everlasting  King  ! 

2.  In  gratitude  we  remember  before  Thee, 

Those  faithful  workers  whose  names  we  revere ; 

Prosper  the  work  of  their  hands,  we  implore  Thee, 

Prosper  with  blessing  the  School  we  hold  dear  ! 

Refrain  :  O  hear  us,  etc. 


84  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

3.  Author  and  Giver  of  life  and  salvation, 

Humbly  the  strain  of  our  voices  we  raise  ; 
Help  us  to  offer  sincere  adoration ; 

God  bless  our  School,  fill  each  heart  -with.  Thy  praise  ! 

Refrain  :  O  hear  us,  etc. 

7.  Children's  Songs  and  Exercises — 

8.  Anthem — •*  Pilgrim's  Chorus  "         ...        -     Wagner 

Church  Choir 

Dear  Sunday  School,  I  with  rapture  behold  thee. 
And  greet  the  walls  that  so  sweetly  enfold  thee. 
Thou,  resting  place,  where  we  may  meet, 
And  raise  to  heaven  our  anthem  sweet. 
For  sin  our  Master  hath  atoned, 
And  God's  pure  law  our  hearts  hath  owned. 
Our  pray'rs  hath  He  with  blessings  crowned, 
To  God  our  song  shall  aye  resound. 

9.     Our  Honor  System— 

The  Robert  Raikes  Diploma,  beautifully  lithographed  and  framed, 
is  presented  to  all  members  who  have  received  the  Honor  Marking 
for  the  year  1915.  Those  who  have  received  a  second  year  of  Honor 
Marking  have  a  Red  Seal  attached  to  this  Diploma.  The  secur- 
ing of  these  Honors  requires  faithfulness  in  attendance  and  offer- 
ings ;  also  in  church  attendance  for  all  members  above  twelve 
years  of  age. 


CEREMONY  AT  THE  WHITE  ARCH 

10.     Processional — "To  Spring"         -        .        -        -      E.Grieg 

Orchestra 


RECOGNITION 

Pastor — And  let  us  not  be  weary  in  well  doing. 

First  Guard — For  in  due  season  we  shall  reap  if  we  faint  not. 

Pastor — And  this  I  pray,  that  your  love  may  abound  yet  more 

and  more  in  all  knowledge. 
Second  Guard — Being  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness. 
Pastor — And  besides  this,  giving  all  diligence,  add  to  your  faith, 

virtue  ; 


Anniversary  Days  gr 

First  Guard— And.  to  virtue,  knowledge  ; 

Fasior—And  to  knowledge,  temperance  ; 

Second  Guard— And  to  temperance,  patience  ; 

Fastor— And.  to  patience,  Godliness  ; 

First  Guard— And  to  Godliness,  brotherly  kindness ; 

Fastor—Axidi  to  brotherly  kindness,  charity. 

II.     Names  of  First  Year  Honor  Members~( Stand  at  Bugle  Call) 
Fastor—SSfho  are  these  who  stand  before  me,  and  what  is  their 
desire  ? 

Secretary— ThesQ  thirty  members  of  our  school  have  been  faith- 
ful throughout  the  year,  complying  with  all  the  conditions 
of  an  Honor  Record,  and  are  entitled  to  receive  the  Robert 
Raikes  Diploma. ; 

Faster— 1  congratulate  you!  The  reward  is  to  the  faithful,  and 
in  the  name  of  our  Sunday  school,  I  gladly  present  to  you 
these  beautiful  Diplomas.  Guards,  open  the  Arch,  and 
permit  those  to  pass  through  who  are  entitled  to  this  recog- 
nition of  their  faithfulness ! 

I  a.     Conferring  of  the  Robert  Raikes  Diplomas— 


CEREMONY  OF  THE  RED  SEAL 

13.  Processional— "  Dream  Shadows "  -        Otto  Langev 

Orchestra  ^  ^ 

RECOGNITION 

14.  Names  of  the  Second  Year  Honor  Members— (Stand  at  Bugle 

Call)  ^  ^ 

Fastor— Who  are  these  who  stand  before  me,  and  what  is  their 
desire  ? 

Secretary— These  members  of  our  school  received  their  Robert 
Raikes  Diploma  last  year,  and  now,  because  of  a  Second 
Year  of  Honor  Record,  are  entitled  to  the  Red  Seal,  which 
has  been  already  attached  to  their  Diplomas.  These  Diplo- 
mas  are  ready  for  presentation. 


86  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Pastor — You  are  to  be  congratulated  for  your  perseverance. 
Our  school  takes  great  pleasure  in  presenting  to  you  again 
the  Diploma  you  received  last  year,  but  now  adorned  with  a 
Red  Seal,  indicating  your  second  year  of  Honor  Record. 


15.     Conferring  of  the  Red  Seals- 


16-     Our  Anniversary  Ode — (Tune  :  "  America  ") — School  Rise — 

"  Our  thoughts  go  back  to-day  "  The  seed  in  faith  thus  sown. 

To  those  years  far  away.  To  ripened  harvest  grown, 

To  mem'ry  dear  ;  Our  eyes  behold  ; 

When  with  a  courage  true.  And  we  with  purpose  clear, 

South  Church's  faithful  few,  Meet  every  Sabbath  here, 

Planned  better  than  they  knew  And  find  both  help  and  cheer 

With  many  a  tear.  With  joys  untold. 


««  Father,  divine,  we  bring, 
Our  grateful  offering 

Of  praise  to  Thee ; 
For  years  with  blessing  fraught. 
For  all  Thy  grace  hath  wrought 
In  souls  from  bondage  brought 

To  liberty." 


17.     Benediction— 

By  the  Pastor 


18.    Postlude— Selected Carroll  Martin 

Orchestra 


Music.  The  music  should  be  a  special  feature  of 
Anniversary  Day.  Not  infrequently  Sunday  schools 
have  hymns  that  have  been  written  for  them.  If  such 
a  hymn  is  adapted  to  the  Anniversary  occasion,  it  would 
be  a  very  good  thing  to  use  it.  Two  Anniversary 
Hymns  follow : 


Anniversary  Days 


87 


Anniversary  Hymn 

Written  for  the  Washington  St.  Congregational  Sabbath  School,  Toledo,  O. 

W.  F.  M.  W.  F.  McCauley, 


1.  Our    an  -  m  -vers-'ry  greet  we 

2.  We    bow  our  heads  confess-ing 
3^  Our    Fa-ther,  bless  thy  children. 


p^t^f=^ 


a  -  gain  with  notes  of  cheer 
the  sins  that  grieved  Thee  sore, 
and    bless  these  years  of       toU; 


And  praise  to  Him^  who  ev  -  er  hves  and  rules  each  changing  year. 
And  pray  for  grace  to  guide  our  feet,  that  we  may  stray  no  more. 
Let    seeds    of  truth  b6     scat*  tered  new,  and  spring  in  good-ly  soil; 


^ 


3?=^ 


:^E 


Let  hearts,  in  love  u 
Not  on  weak  self  re 
Ee   -   veal  the  pros-pect 


^vMrf^^ 


ni  •  ted,     a   song    of  joy   tip  -  raise, 
ly  -  ing,    but  on     thy  Word  and  pow'r, 
gold  -  en,    the  work,  the  wide  command. 


And  off -'rings  bring  of  serv- ice  true  for  all  re. -main  -  irig  days. 
We'll  trust  in  thee  to  guard  for  life,  and' trust  thee^hour  by  hour. 
The    nev  =  er  -  fail  -  ing  prom -it  •  ^s,     the    tri-umph  near  at  hand. 


88  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Anniversary  Hymn — Concluded* 
Refrain. 


^^^^S 


^  =^=ijM     ■  r   1—1'^    n 


^ 


Let  pfaise^nd  pray^f 


X     1 


S 


'm 


^ 


be  offered  here 


:^-sLjL*^ 


^E 


& 


^ 


^^^ 


Lei'    our  praise 


be  of  -fered  here. 


And  service 


^~Tn  ^\  '^  .^'  ^^-^ 


^r^.^ 


ff?^ 


-^— =1- 


And  service  irue  from  year  to    year; 


^ 


S 


:;={?: 


g 


^^^^ 


h=^=^ 


true 


from  year  to       year; 


Far   and 


:^^^ 


r^jij,j^i±=&^ 


m^ 


-#>    #*   ¥—^ 


■^ — -^ 


Let  far  and  wide 


our  et- forts  flow. 


u^e 


K= 


m 


I      I 


wide 


our  ef  •  forts  flow. 


That    all       the 


^m 


^^ 


JL.-^ 1 


^^E? 


q^zg: r^-^ 


That  all     the  world  His   love  may  know. 


^ 


g^g^gl^^^^ 


^ 


world 


*       •     His    love     may   know.    .    • 


Anniversary  Days 
Anniversary  Hymn. 

For  South  Congregational  Sunday  School. 
(Tune— Parts  of  the  Russian  and  French  National  Anthems.) 


89 


1^ 


=1=d: 


^=^--^=. 


Ill  ' 

h  Thro'  Thy  great  mer  -  cy,    0    God,  and  Thy  bless-  ing,  Our  School  has 

2.  In       grat-i  -  tude    we    re-mera-ber  be  -  fore  Thee  Those  faith -ful 

3.  Aa  -  thor  and  Giv  -  er    of     life    and  sal  -  va  -  tion,  Hum  -  bly    the 


come     to     the   end      of     the  year;  Ac  -  cept    the  grat  -  i-tocTe  we 
work  -  era  whose  names  we     re  -  vera;  Pros -per    the    work       of    thefr 
strain    of     our    voi  -  cea     we   raise;  Help  us      to     of     -     far    stn- 


-rff ^ ■"— r  ^- 

T — r— r-*^ 


^m^m 


come  to  Thee  con-fes3- ing;  Obj   by  Thy  pres  -  ence  be   gra-cious-ly  nearl 
bands,     we   im-plore  Thee,  Pros-per  with  bless  -  ing  the  School  we  hold  dearl 
cere         ad  -  0  -  ra  -  tion;  God  bless  our  School,  fill  each  heart  with  Thy  praise! 


s^jgj 


:t=t 


^ 


m 


Refrain.^ 


0  hear    .    ..         Ua     WhilA  WA       cincr  Tr>       Th^T"^        «„ _-    L    • 


'-'> -''       w       9       ^  -9-     -^r^    29'     'IT     ■#-      I) 

0      hear  .  -.      us  while  we    sing,      To    Thae  .  .   our  prayers  we  bring; 


Our  Schoo!  to  Thee     loy  -  a!   will    be,    Thou  Ev 


[j        ,  'poco  rxt. 


er-last-ing  Kingl 


go  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

CHILDREN'S  DAY 

Happiest  Day  of  the  Year,  In  many  respects  this  is 
the  happiest  day  of  the  year,  and  it  should  be  made  dis- 
tinctively a  day  for  the  children.  The  morning  preach- 
ing service  may  be  devoted  to  them,  the  school  being 
present  in  a  body.  The  pastor  often  preaches  a  short 
sermon  to  the  children  on  this  day. 

Decorations.  Children's  Day  is  generally  observed  on 
the  second  Sunday  of  June.  As  this  is  usually  in  the 
height  of  flower  time,  beautiful  decorations  may  be  pro- 
vided. Some  schools  bring  tiny  pots  with  verbenas — 
hundreds  of  them  sometimes.  These  are  arranged  in  a 
decorative  manner  on  the  platform,  sometimes  on  a 
light  frame  built  for  the  purpose.  Some  schools  give 
out  the  plants  or  seeds  a  number  of  weeks  before  Chil- 
dren's Day,  and  have  the  blooming  plants  brought  back 
at  that  time.  At  the  close  of  the  school  they  may  be 
given  back  to  the  scholars  or  sent  to  the  sick.  It  is  the 
custom  in  many  schools  to  bring  canary  birds ;  their 
singing  adds  to  the  Hfe  of  the  occasion  and  does  not  dis- 
turb the  meeting  as  one  might  imagine. 

Opportunity  to  Help  Others.  It  is  a  good  thing  to 
give  the  children  opportunities  to  help  other  children. 
On  this  account  many  schools  have  the  practice  of  bring- 
ing gifts,  particularly  pretty  picture  cards,  post-cards,  etc., 
which  are  afterwards  pasted  in  books  and  sent  to  the  chil- 
dren's wards  of  the  hospitals,  where  they  are  greatly  prized. 

Program.  Children's  songs  and  recitations  are  always 
appropriate.  Regular  Children's  Day  Services  are  pre- 
pared by  the  score,  and  may  be  had  through  the  various 
supply  houses.  Suitable  talks,  written  really  to  interest 
the  older  people  but  spoken  by  the  children,  are  given. 
There  is  no  end  to  the  appropriate  music.     Many  schools 


Anniversary  Days  91 

devote  the  opening  service  of  Children's  Day  to  recita- 
tions and  songs,  and  then  take  the  evening  for  a  Chil- 
dren's Day  Concert. 

In  some  schools  this  is  made  a  Missionary  Day,  in 
others  a  Bible  Day,  while  in  others  the  emphasis  is  being 
laid  more  and  more  on  the  importance  of  religious 
education. 

There  is  a  great  wealth  of  literature  in  connection  with 
Children's  Day,  and  perhaps,  next  to  Rally  Day,  more 
ingenuity  is  shown  in  the  preparation  of  invitations  and 
programs  than  for  any  other  day. 

A  baptismal  service  is  made  a  feature  of  the  Children's 
Day  program  in  many  schools.  A  baby-buggy  parade 
of  the  babies  in  the  Cradle  Roll  Department  adds  in- 
terest to  the  occasion.  The  buggies  are  wheeled  down 
the  aisles  of  the  church,  or  the  babies  are  carried.  Where 
there  are  babies  there  is  always  interest,  and  plenty  of  it. 
Some  of  the  children,  especially  of  the  Junior  Department, 
could  give  appropriate  selections  from  their  memory 
work.     Children's  choirs  add  to  the  enjoyment. 

A  Golden  Opportunity.  You  can  always  depend 
upon  the  presence  of  the  parents  when  the  children  are 
in  evidence,  and  this  is  a  fine  time  to  set  before  the 
church  and  the  grown  people  the  educational  standards 
of  the  denomination  and  the  responsibility  for  Christian 
education.  Children's  Day  is  a  golden  opportunity  that 
should  not  be  lost. 


THANKSGIVING  DAY 

{Harvest  Home  Day) 
Thanksgiving  Day  is  usually  observed  in  the  Sunday 
school  on  the  Sunday  nearest  to  the  national  Thanksgiv- 


92  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

ing  Day.  This  would  locate  it  in  October  in  Canada, 
and  in  November  in  the  United  States. 

The  title  of  the  day  suggests  its  purpose.  Every  day 
should,  of  course,  be  Thanksgiving  Day,  but  it  is  surely 
appropriate  to  set  apart  a  httle  time  in  the  Sunday  school 
for  a  special  Thanksgiving  service. 

Decorations.  The  decorations,  usually  consisting  of 
fruits  and  grains,  tell  their  own  story.  Thanksgiving 
songs,  of  which  there  are  an  abundance,  such  as  *'  Count 
Your  Blessings,"  with  Thanksgiving  recitations,  and,  pos- 
sibly, a  few  short  statements  from  members  of  the  school 
as  to  what  they  are  thankful  for,  would  be  appropriate 
and  helpful.  Some  of  the  young  people  might  be  asked 
to  write  short  essays  telling  why  Thanksgiving  should  be 
observed. 

Patriotic  Day.  This  is  a  good  time  to  display  the 
National  Colors  and  sing  a  patriotic  song,  because  we 
are  thankful  for  our  country.  Mention  may  be  made 
of  the  crops,  of  our  church,  of  our  health,  of  our  pros- 
pects for  success  in  our  work.  We  have  so  many  things 
to  be  thankful  for  always,  that  if  we  undertake  to  enu- 
merate them,  there  will  be  time  for  nothing  else. 

God's  Storehouse.  The  idea  of  God's  storehouse  has 
been  beautifully  worked  out  in  one  school  by  having  a 
table  nicely  spread  with  a  cloth  and  set  with  plates. 
Some  boys  and  girls  tell  of  the  things  which  God  has 
stored  away  in  His  cellar,  naming  those  that  grow  below 
the  surface  of  the  ground,  such  as  potatoes,  carrots,  etc., 
and  some  of  these,  having  been  previously  washed,  are 
brought  and  placed  upon  the  plates.  Others  tell  of  the 
things  that  are  on  the  first  floor  of  the  storehouse,  naming 
those  that  grow  upon  the  surface  of  the  earth,  such  as 
melons,  pumpkins,  etc.,  and  some  of  these  are  placed 


Anniversary  Days  93 

upon  the  plates.  Then  still  others  tell  of  the  things  that 
are  in  the  attic,  naming  the  fruits  of  the  trees,  such  as 
apples,  pears,  etc.,  and  some  of  these  are  also  placed 
upon  the  plates.  There  is  no  end  to  the  variety  that  can 
be  secured,  and  the  tables  are  loaded  down  with  these 
things,  all  coming  from  God's  storehouse. 

A  Giving  Thanksgiving.  Many  schools  celebrate 
Thanksgiving  after  the  manner  of  the  Giving  Christmas. 
A  service  is  held  at  an  early  hour  on  Thanksgiving 
morning,  after  which  baskets  containing  dinners  and  deli- 
cacies are  taken  to  the  needy. 

If  it  is  desired  to  give  an  evening  to  this  service,  or 
more  time  than  the  opening  exercises  of  the  school  per- 
mit, there  are  plenty  of  specially  prepared  services  which 
are  rich  and  suggestive. 


INSTALLATION  DAY 

Sunday  School  Workers  Called  of  God.  Al^  officers 
and  teachers  in  the  Sunday  school  who  take  their  work 
at  all  seriously  should  recognize  that  they  have  been  as 
definitely  called  of  God  to  that  service  as  the  minister 
has  to  his.  The  responsibility  of  the  Sunday-school 
teacher  rests,  in  many  cases,  all  too  lightly  upon  hi  j 
shoulders. 

Purpose  of  Day.  The  purpose  of  Installation  Day  is 
to  lay  emphasis  upon  the  importance  of  teaching  the 
Word  of  God  in  the  Sunday  school.  Where  the  day  is 
regularly  and  properly  observed,  it  goes  far  towards 
deepening  the  sense  of  privilege  and  responsibility  in  the 
hearts  of  the  workers,  and  at  the  same  time  gives  to  the 
congregation  an  important  lesson  as  to  the  real  place  of 
Christian  education  in  the  Sunday  school. 


94  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Time  of  Service.  The  service  should  be  held  at  the 
hour  of  the  morning  preaching  service,  and  on  either  the 
last  Sunday  or  the  first  Sunday  of  the  year.  This  does 
not  mean  necessarily  the  calendar  year,  but  oftener,  per- 
haps, the  church  or  school  year,  which  generally  recog- 
nizes the  anniversary  of  the  church  or  school.  The 
Sunday-school  workers  should  sit  in  a  body  in  the  front 
and  center  of  the  church,  with  the  rest  of  the  congrega- 
tion gathered  about  them. 

Programs.  There  are  a  number  of  choice  services 
prepared  for  such  occasions.  One  that  has  come  to  be 
used  very  widely  is  found  in  "  How  to  Conduct  a  Sun- 
day School,"  Chapter  X.  It  is  desirable,  wherever  pos- 
sible, however,  for  the  pastor  and  superintendent  to  pre- 
pare their  own  service. 

Two  excellent  forms  are  given  below.  It  will  be  ob- 
served that  the  Covenant  in  each  is  practically  the  same 
as  that  used  in  the  author's  book  referred  to  above.  It 
will  be  noticed,  also,  that  there  is  an  Installation  Address 
or  Sermon  by  the  pastor  or  some  one  selected  for  that 
purpose.  This  gives  opportunity  to  emphasize  the  im- 
portance of  the  work  and  to  speak  of  any  special  features 
that  need  consideration. 

INSTALLATION  SERVICE— FIRST  BAPTIST  SUNDAY 

SCHOOL 

Hartford,  Conn. 

Statement  of  Object  of  Service. 

Hymn ( Tune,  State  Street) 

I  love  Thy  kingdom.  Lord  ! 

The  house  of  Thine  abode, 

The  Church  our  blest  Redeemer  saved 

With  His  own  precious  blood. 


Anniversary  Days  qj; 


I  love  Thy  Church,  O  God ! 
Her  walls  before  Thee  stand, 
Dear  as  the  apple  of  Thine  eye, 
And  graven  on  Thy  hand. 

For  her  my  tears  shall  fall, 

For  her  my  prayers  ascend  ; 

To  her  my  cares  and  toils  be  given. 

Till  toils  and  cares  shall  end. 


Responsive  Service. 

Pastor — I  beseech  you  therefore,  brethren,  by  the  mercies  of  God,  to 
present  your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  to  God, 
which  is  your  spiritual  service.  And  be  not  fashioned  according 
to  this  world ;  but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing  of  your 
mind,  that  ye  may  prove  what  is  the  good  and  acceptable  and 
perfect  will  of  God. 

Workers — Jesus  said,  suffer  the  little  children,  and  forbid  them  not, 
to  come  unto  Me  :  for  to  such  belongeth  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

Pastor — I  charge  thee  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  of  Christ  Jesus,  preach 
the  word  :  be  urgent  in  season,  out  of  season  ;  reprove,  rebuke, 
exhort,  with  all  long-suffering  and  teaching. 

Teachers — Every  Scripture  inspired  of  God  is  also  profitable  for 
teaching,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  which  is  in 
righteousness :  that  the  man  of  God  may  be  complete,  furnished 
completely  unto  every  good  work. 

Pastor — Let  not  kindness  and  truth  forsake  thee  :  bind  them  about 
thy  neck ;  write  them  upon  the  tablet  of  thy  heart. 

Congregation— ^\iz.\.%Q^vtx  ye  do,  work  heartily,  as  unto  the  Lord 
and  not  unto  men. 

Pastor — Let  the  word  of  Christ  dwell  in  you  richly  ;  in  all  wisdom 
teaching  and  admonishing  one  another  with  psalms  and  hymns 
and  spiritual  songs,  singing  with  grace  in  your  hearts  unto  God. 

Congregation —Ye.  are  our  epistle,  written  in  our  hearts,  known  and 
read  of  all  men. 

Pastor — Give  diligence  to  present  thyself  approved  unto  God,  a 
workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  handling  aright  the 
word  of  truth.  Be  thou  sober  in  all  things,  suffer  hardship,  do 
the  work  of  an  evangelist,  fulfill  thy  ministry. 


96  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Congregation — Give  heed  to  reading,  to  exhortation,  to  teaching; 
that  thy  progress  may  be  manifest  unto  all. 

Workers'  Covenant  [Repeated  in  unison  by  Workers,  led  by  Pastor). 
Trusting  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  strength,  I  humbly 
promise  Him  and  this  Church  that  I  will  be  faithful  to  the  ex- 
tent of  my  ability,  to  all  known  duties  and  responsibilities  de- 
volving  upon  me  as  a  worker  in  this  Sunday  school.  I  will 
strive  most  earnestly  to  be  regular  in  attendance  ;  diligent  in 
my  lesson  study ;  loyal  to  the  established  rules  of  the  school ; 
consistent  in  my  example  ;  faithful  to  my  church  ;  and  will  seek 
earnestly  the  salvation  and  growth  in  grace  of  my  scholars. 

The  Blessing  of  the  Congregation. 

Congregation — The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee :  the  Lord  make 
His  face  shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee  :  the  Lord 
lift  up  His  countenance  upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace. 

Workers'  Consecration  Hymn  ( Tune,  Ceaseless  Praise).     All  unite. 

Take  my  voice  and  let  it  be 
Consecrated  Lord  to  Thee  ; 
Take  my  moments  and  my  days, 
Let  them  flow  in  ceaseless  praise  ; 
Take  my  hands  and  let  them  move 
At  the  impulse  of  Thy  love  ; 
Take  my  feet  and  let  them  be 
Swift  and  beautiful  for  Thee. 

Take  my  voice  and  let  me  sing 
Always,  only,  for  my  King ; 
Take  my  lips,  and  let  them  be 
Filled  with  messages  from  Thee  ; 
Take  my  silver  and  my  gold, 
Not  a  mite  would  I  withhold ; 
Take  my  intellect,  and  use 
Every  power  as  Thou  shalt  choose. 

Sermon — "  The  Faithful."     Text,  I  Corinthians  iv.  2. 

Consecration  Prayer. 

Benediction. 


Anniversary  Days  oy 

INSTALLATION  SERVICE— FIRST  CONGREGA- 
TIONAL  SUNDAY  SCHOOL 

Aurora,  Nebraska 

Statement  by  Pastor  of  the  Object  of  this  Service. 

Responsive  Service Pasfor  and  Workers 

Pastor— QzX\i^x  the  people  together,  men  and  women  and  chil- 
dren and  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates  that  they  may 
hear  and  that  they  may  learn  and  fear  the  Lord  your  God 
and  observe  to  do  all  the  words  of  this  law. 
Workers— O^^n  thou   mine  eyes  that  I   may  behold  wondrous 

things  out  of  thy  law. 
Pastor— TMxs  Book  of  the  law  shall  not  depart  out  of  thy  mouth 
but  thou  shalt  meditate  therein  day  and  night  that  thou 
mayest  observe  to  do  according  to  all  that  is  written  therein 
for  then  thou  shalt  make  thy  way  prosperous  and  then  thou 
shalt  have  good  success. 
Workers— Q\v&  me  understanding  and   I  shall  keep  thy  law ; 

yea,  I  shall  observe  it  with  my  whole  heart. 
Pastor— T\i^  law  of  the  Lord  is  perfect  converting  the  soul. 
Workers— i:\iQ  testimony  of  the  Lord  is  sure  making  wise  the 

simple. 
Pastor— Ih^  statutes  of  the  Lord  are  right  rejoicing  the  heart. 
Workers— "XYit  commandment  of  the  Lord  is  pure  enlightening 

the  eyes. 
Pastor— i:\it  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean  enduring  forever. 
Workers— T\vQ  judgments  of  the  Lord  are  true  and  righteous 

altogether. 
Pastor— yioxt  to  be  desired  are  they  than  gold ;  yea,  than  much 

fine  gold. 
^To^-im—Sweeter  also  than  honey  and  the  honeycomb. 
Pastor— yioxtov&x  by  them  is  thy  servant  warned. 
Workers— hxv^  in  keeping  of  them  there  is  great  reward. 
Pastor— '^^^xc\i   the   Scriptures   for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have 

eternal  life. 
Workers— k\\  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  God  and  is 
profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  in- 
struction in  righteousness  :  that  the  man  of  God  may  be 
perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works. 
Pastor— ^iyxdiy  to  shew  thyself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman 
that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word 
of  truth. 


98  Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Workers — If  any  man  lack  wisdom  let  him  ask  of  God  who  giveth 
to  all  men  liberally  and  upbraideth  not  and  it  shall  be  given 
him. 

Pastor— I  charge  thee  therefore  before  God  and  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  who  shall  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead  at  his  appear- 
ing and  his  kingdom ;  Preach  the  word,  be  instant  in  season, 
out  of  season  ;  reprove,  rebuke,  exhort  with  all  long  suffer- 
ing and  doctrine. 

Workers — The  Lord  bless  us  and  keep  us:  The  Lord  make  his 
face  shine  upon  us  and  be  gracious  unto  us :  The  Lord  lift 
up  his  countenance  upon  us  and  give  us  peace. 

Hymn  (Tune,  Sun  of  My  Soul). 

1.  O  teach  me.  Lord,  that  I  may  teach 
The  precious  things  Thou  dost  impart; 
And  wing  my  words  that  they  may  reach 
The  hidden  depth  of  many  a  heart. 

2.  O  fill  me  with  Thy  fullness,  Lord, 
Until  my  very  heart  o'erflow 

In  kindling  thought  and  glowing  word, 
Thy  love  to  tell.  Thy  praise  to  show. 

Installation  Address. 

Installation  Prayer. 

Workers'  Covenant  -  -  -  All  Workers  joining  led  by  the  Pastor 
Trusting  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  strength,  I  promise  Him 
and  this  Church  that  I  will  be  faithful  to  the  extent  of  my  ability  to 
all  known  duties  and  responsibilities  devolving  upon  me  as  a  worker 
in  this  Sunday  school.  I  will  endeavor  to  be  regular  and  punctual 
in  attendance  ;  diligent  in  my  lesson  study  ;  loyal  to  the  established 
rules  of  the  school ;  consistent  in  my  example ;  and  will  seek  ear- 
nestly the  salvation  and  edification  of  the  scholars  and  the  truest 
Christian  fellowship  among  all  members. 

Another  method  of  Installation  Service  is  similar  as  to 
general  setting  to  those  given  above,  but  instead  of  a 
Responsive  Service  the  pastor  reads  appropriate  Scripture 
passages  and  makes  the  address.  In  giving  the  *^  Charge 
to  the  Workers,"  brief  responses  are  called  for.  The  fol- 
lowing is  taken  from  the  "  Book  of  Worship  "  of  the 
German  Evangelical  Synod  of  North  America : 


Anniversary  Days  99 

INSTALLATION  SERVICE 
Opening  Sentence : 

In  Jesus'  Name.     Amen, 

Dear  Christian  Friends  : 

When  the  Lord  commanded  the  Israelites  to  teach 
their  children  the  significance  of  holy  things,  He  pur- 
posed to  educate  succeeding  generations  to  His  holy 
service.  Likewise  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  when  He  en- 
joined His  disciples  to  go  and  preach  the  Gospel  and  to 
teach  all  nations,  desired  to  provide  the  means  whereby 
all  persons  might  come  to  the  knowledge  of  God  and 
salvation. 

These  instructions  have  been  followed  through  the 
past  centuries  by  various  methods,  until  we  have  come  to 
recognize  the  importance  of  the  Bible  School  in  its  rela- 
tion to  both  the  Church  and  the  Kingdom  of  God  at 
large.  Indeed,  the  Bible  School  is  to-day  the  chief 
teaching  agency  of  the  church,  and  its  mission  is  to  in- 
struct in  the  salient  truths  of  God's  Word  ;  it  is  her  hand- 
maid in  the  moulding  of  Christian  character ;  it  is  her 
guide  towards  actual  Christian  service,  thereby  becoming 
a  most  potent  factor  towards  the  winning  of  many  souls 
to  Christ. 

This  at  once  represents  the  policy  and  program  of  the 
Bible  School  of  to-day,  and  contains  both  your  duties 
and  responsibilities  as  well  as  your  privileges  and  oppor- 
tunities as  the  Officers  and  Teachers  (and  Home  Depart- 
ment Workers)  of  the  Bible  School  of  this  Congregation. 
To  this  office  you  have  been  called,  which  is  in  itself  a 
holy  Christian  service,  ranking  second  only  to  that  of  the 
pastor  in  the  spiritual  development  of  the  parish. 

In  accepting  your  office,  be  it  as  a  leader  or  teacher,  or 


loo        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

merely  to  discharge  routine  duties,  you  assume  a  task 
which  demands  your  noblest  effort,  your  faith  and  prayer, 
and  your  Christian  walk  in  holiness  and  virtue. 

Rest  not  content  with  your  own  knowledge  and 
power.  Jesus  said,  *'  Without  me  ye  can  do  nothing." 
Be  not  discouraged  by  either  the  magnitude  of  the 
program  or  any  apparent  difficulty,  for  Jesus  also  said, 
"  I  am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world," 
while  the  Apostle  spoke  from  experience  when  he  wrote, 
"  I  can  do  all  things  through  Christ  who  strengtheneth 
me." 

Therefore,  let  the  image  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  Master 
Teacher,  be  your  example  ;  the  heroism  of  the  disciples 
and  apostles  your  inspiration,  and  this  prophecy  of  the 
Old  Testament  your  hope  of  reward.  **  And  they  that 
be  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firmament ; 
and  they  that  turn  many  to  righteousness  as  the  stars  for 
ever  and  ever." 

On  behalf  of  the  Bible  School  and  Congregation  as- 
sembled, and  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  who 
knoweth  the  secrets  of  our  hearts  and  giveth  power  to 
the  faint,  I  charge  you,  the  duly  elected  Officers  of  this 
School  and  its  Departments,  ever  to  remember  the  duties 
and  obligations  of  your  office,  your  responsibility  to  the 
School,  the  Church,  and  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  ask 
you,  do  you  promise  by  His  help  and  the  guidance  of 
His  Holy  Spirit  to  discharge  to  the  best  of  your  knowl- 
edge and  abihty  that  service  for  which  you  have  been 
selected  ;  then  answer  :  Yes,  with  the  help  of  the  Lord. 

Answer :  Yes,  with  the  help  of  the  Lord. 

Then  I  charge  you,  the  teachers  of  this  Bible  School, 
ever  to  remember  your  privilege  and  duty  to  teach  God's 


Anniversary  Days  loi 

Word ;  to  lead  your  scholars  to  our  Saviour  and  Re- 
deemer ;  to  instruct  by  your  life  as  well  as  by  your  word ; 
and  to  be  co-laborers  with  these  officers,  with  the  pastor 
of  this  congregation,  and  with  your  Lord  ;  and  I  ask  you, 
do  you  promise  by  His  power  and  the  quickening  of  His 
Holy  Spirit  to  be  faithful  to  the  charge  entrusted  to  you ; 
then  answer :  Yes,  with  the  help  of  the  Lord. 

Answer:  Yes,  with  the  help  of  the  Lord. 
(  When  so  desired  and  arranged^ 

Likewise,  I  charge  you,  the  officers  and  visitors  of  the 
Home  Department  of  this  Bible  School,  be  mindful  of 
your  mission  to  serve  your  Master  in  the  homes  of  the 
members  of  this  Department  by  your  regular  visits,  your 
word  of  encouragement  and  instruction,  of  cheer  and 
sympathy,  of  counsel  and  comfort,  and  by  your  life  and 
faith  to  broaden  and  deepen  the  channel  of  the  Saviour's 
love  to  all,  and  I  ask  you,  are  you  willing  to  do  this,  as 
He  shall  give  you  power  and  bless  your  efforts ;  then 
answer :  Yes,  with  the  help  of  the  Lord. 

Answer  :  Yes,  with  the  help  of  the  Lord. 

Therefore,  my  friends,  I  admonish  you  upon  this  your 
solemn  consecration  to  service,  be  ye  steadfast,  unmov- 
able,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord,  know- 
ing that  no  service  for  Him  will  be  without  His  assist- 
ance and  reward. 


Dear  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ!  Thou 
hast  heard  the  pledge  of  these  Thy  servants  who  are  to 
be  laborers  in  Thy  vineyard.  We  beseech  Thee,  vouch- 
safe unto  each  and  every  one  Thy  spirit  of  service  and 
ministry,   Thy   gift    of   strength   and   knowledge,   Thy 


102        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

power  of  redeeming  love  and  bounteous  mercy,  in  order 
that  Thy  kingdom  may  be  established  among  us,  many 
souls  won  to  Thee,  and  the  service  of  all  be  raised  in  joy- 
ful praise  to  Thee. 

Graciously  bless  our  Bible  School  in  all  its  members, 
departments  and  activities,  and  grant  to  all  schools  teach- 
ing Thy  Word  the  grace  of  sincere  testimony. 

We  also  plead  for  this  congregation  and  church,  that 
through  the  preaching  and  teaching  of  Thy  Word  and  the 
ardent  service  of  many  this  house  shall  be  Thy  tabernacle 
among  men  where  loyal  hearts  serve  only  Thee. 

And  for  Thy  kingdom  at  large,  O  Lord,  we  pray  that 
victory  which  shall  at  last  bring  all  the  world  to  Thy  feet 
and  all  tongues  to  confess  Thee:  King  of  Kings,  and 
Lord  of  Lords.     Amen, 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven ;  hallowed  be  Thy 
Name  ;  Thy  kingdom  come  :  Thy  will  be  done  on  earth, 
as  it  is  in  heaven ;  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  ;  and 
forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors ;  and  lead 
us  not  into  temptation ;  but  deliver  us  from  evil ;  for 
Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  Power,  and  the  glory  for 
ever.     Amen. 

Benediction  : 

The  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  under- 
standing, shall  guard  your  hearts  and  your  thoughts  in 
Christ  Jesus.     Amen. 


LABOR  DAY 
On  the  Sunday  before  Labor  Day  have  the  leader  of 
one  of  the  labor  organizations,  or  some  talented  laborer, 
say  a  few  words  about  Labor  Day — why  it  was  instituted. 


Anniversary  Days  103 

and  what  its  benefits  are.  This  recognition  will  tend 
somewhat  to  make  the  church  and  the  laboring  people 
understand  one  another  better. 


OLD  YEAR  DAY 

This  is  the  last  Sunday  of  the  year.  A  little  time  may 
profitably  be  spent  in  the  school,  especially  in  the  older 
departments,  in  caUing  attention  to  the  blessings  that 
have  come  to  the  school  during  the  year  just  closing, 
and  in  presenting  plans  for  the  new  year. 

The  members  of  the  school  who  have  joined  the 
church  during  the  year  might  come  to  the  front  or  be 
seated  together.  A  few  short  testimonies  from  these 
young  people  as  to  their  joy  in  the  Christian  hfe  would 
be  most  valuable. 

The  whole  school  might  attend  the  church  service, 
and  the  pastor  preach  a  sermon  about  the  year  just  end- 
ing, giving  information  concerning  the  work  that  has 
been  accomplished  and  the  hopes  for  the  work  to  be 
done  in  the  New  Year.  This  could  be  made  the  basis 
of  a  good  sermon  and  a  choice  service. 


NEW  YEAR'S  DAY 
This  is  always  a  holiday  and,  as  such,  is  often  abused. 
Some  years  ago  the  author  conceived  the  idea  of  en- 
deavoring to  utilize  the  day  to  the  advantage  of  the 
Sunday-school  work,  and  it  has  come  to  be  a  day  of 
profit  and  pleasure  in  many  schools.  The  advantages 
which  arise  are  chiefly  those  of  sociability,  fellowship, 
and  publicity.  It  is  celebrated  on  a  week-day,  and  the 
method  of  observing  it  is  as  follows  : 


104        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

The  whole  church  is  opened,  decorated,  and  warmed. 
The  chairs  are  removed  from  the  center  of  the  Sunday- 
school  room,  so  that  there  is  plenty  of  open  space  for 
moving  about.  The  scholars  come  to  the  building  by 
departments. 

The  Little  Folks'  Reception.  From  two  until  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  Cradle  Roll  members,  the 
Beginners,  and  the  Primaries  have  their  reception.  The 
officers  of  these  various  departments  have  full  charge  of 
the  program.  No  boisterousness  is  allowed  in  the  church, 
though  in  every  other  way  there  is  the  utmost  freedom. 
Quite  a  good  many  babies  of  the  Cradle  Roll  are  brought, 
and  sometimes  there  is  a  parade  up  and  down  the  aisles 
of  the  church,  led  by  the  little  ones  of  the  Cradle  Roll  in 
their  carriages  or  carried  by  the  mothers.  The  pastor 
and  superintendent  often  head  the  line.  There  is  some- 
times speaking  and  singing,  and  always  refreshments.  A 
Victrola  can  be  used  to  advantage.  Towards  the  close 
of  the  hour,  which  is  usually  all  too  short,  the  officers  of 
the  department  stand  in  hne  and  receive  the  congratula- 
tions of  the  teachers  and  scholars,  who  pass  by  in  order, 
giving  a  good  hand-shake  and  wishing  a  "  Happy  New 
Year."  This  affords  a  fine  opportunity  for  the  pastor 
and  superintendent  and  workers  generally  to  meet  the 
children  and  get  acquainted  with  them,  and,  also,  to  be- 
come themselves  more  closely  identified  with  the  chil- 
dren's departments  of  the  school.  At  the  close  of  the 
hour  each  scholar  is  presented  with  a  Scatter  Good  Cal- 
endar, and  with  many  a  "  Happy  New  Year  "  the  de- 
Hghted  children  start  off  to  their  homes.  Many  parents 
accompany  their  children,  and  this  affords  a  choice  op- 
portunity to  get  acquainted  with  them  also. 

The  Juniors'  Reception.     Immediately  following  these 


Anniversary  Days  105 

departments,  the  Juniors  gather  from  three  until  four 
o'clock,  in  charge  of  their  officers  and  teachers,  who, 
likewise,  have  entire  control  of  the  program.  The  Vic- 
trola  may  be  used,  or  the  Juniors  may  furnish  the  music 
themselves — some  of  them  can  play,  and  all  can  sing. 
The  children  are  accorded  much  freedom  as  to  what  they 
do,  so  long  as  they  are  not  boisterous.  The  program 
changes  here,  of  course,  and  is  adapted  to  the  age  of  the 
scholars.  The  ingenuity  of  the  workers  will  produce 
much  variety  in  the  method  of  entertainment.  The  hour 
closes  with  a  reception,  the  giving  of  the  calendar,  etc., 
as  indicated  above.  The  Scatter  Good  Calendars  are 
presented  to  everybody  present  on  that  day  as  a  feature 
of  the  occasion. 

The  Intermediates'  ReceptioHo  From  four  until  five 
o'clock  the  Intermediates  have  their  reception  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  Juniors,  except  that  the  program  is, 
of  course,  modified  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  older 
scholars.  As  indicated  above,  all  are  served  with  light 
refreshments. 

Thus,  the  afternoon  of  New  Year's  Day  has  been  de- 
voted for  three  hours  to  the  Sunday  school.  If  there 
has  been  the  right  kind  of  planning,  together  with  plenty 
of  hard  work,  many  new  acquaintances  have  been  formed 
and  the  ties  have  been  strengthened  binding  the  families 
of  these  children  to  the  church. 

The  Adults'  Reception.  In  the  evening  the  church 
is  again  opened,  and  all  the  older  departments  of  the 
school,  beginning  with  the  Seniors  and  including  the 
Home  Department  and  all  the  members  of  the  church 
and  congregation  together  with  their  friends,  gather  for 
an  evening  of  pleasure  and  profit.  There  is  no  attempt 
at  formality.     The  people  walk  about  the  building  hav- 


lo6        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

ing  a  good  time  generally,  shaking  hands,  forming  new 
acquaintances,  and  enjoying  genuine  good  fellowship. 
At  a  proper  time  they  are  called  to  order  for  a  short 
program.  As  the  people  are  mostly  grown,  a  more 
definite  program  can  be  carried  out,  but  it  should  not  be 
long — a  few  remarks  by  the  pastor  and,  possibly,  the 
superintendent  and  others,  some  music,  perhaps  a  vocal 
solo,  with,  occasionally,  some  special  features  of  an  enter- 
taining character.  Of  course,  it  should  be  borne  in  mind 
continually  that  this  whole  day  is  for  the  purpose  of 
strengthening  the  ties  of  the  church  through  fellowship 
and  a  wider  acquaintance.  After  the  program,  light  re- 
freshments are  served  in  an  informal  way,  and  the  social 
hour  continues  until  time  to  go  home. 

No  formality  or  stiffness  should  be  allowed  in  any  part 
of  the  service.  It  goes  without  saying  that  a  day  thus 
spent,  with  the  pastor,  superintendent,  and  other  officers 
present  all  the  afternoon  and  evening,  affords  an  oppor- 
tunity for  much  good,  and,  at  the  same  time,  centers 
about  the  House  of  God  beautiful  thoughts  of  the  open- 
ing year.     Try  a  New  Year's  Reception  1 


VI 

RECRUITING  DAYS 

ALL-TO-GETHER  SUNDAY 

The  aim  of  this  Sunday,  as  observed  by  the  First  Pres- 
byterian Sunday  School  of  Spokane,  of  which  Mr.  J.  S. 
Giboney  is  superintendent,  was  as  follows :  To  bring  to- 
gether in  a  brief,  inspiring,  opening  service,  the  entire 
membership  of  the  school  and  one  hundred  other  pro- 
spective scholars.  Each  department  undertook  to  secure 
its  entire  attendance  and  ten  other  prospective  members. 

The  purpose  of  the  day  was  threefold : 

1.  To  unify  the  work  of  the  school ; 

2.  To  teach  that  each  department  is  a  section  of  the 

great  whole ; 

3.  To  inspire  the  entire  school  membership  to  greater 

and  better  work. 

The  program  for  AU-To-Gether  Day  might  consist  of 
some  familiar  Scripture  that  all  could  repeat  together,  and 
various  other  features  of  general  interest.  All  the  little 
folks  could  sing  a  song,  and  the  Juniors  as  a  department 
could  have  some  separate  part. 

The  Sunday  preceding  Rally  Day  would  be  a  good 
time  for  All-To-Gether  Sunday,  as  it  would  give  oppor- 
tunity to  make  announcements  to  the  whole  school  con- 
cerning the  Rally  Day  plans. 


EVERY  MEMBER  PRESENT  DAY 
As  the  name  indicates,  "  Every  Member  Present  Day" 
is  simply  a  day  on  which  concerted  effort  is  made  to  se- 

107 


io8        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

cure  the  presence  of  every  member  of  the  school,  except 
those  who  are  too  sick  to  come  and  those  who  are  out  of 
town.  Some  schools  observe  this  day  once  a  quarter. 
It  is  practically  the  same  as  Rally  Day,  except  that  Rally 
Day  occurs  but  once  a  year,  early  in  the  fall.  It  is  a  good 
thing  to  make  special  efforts  of  this  sort,  as  every  effort 
to  secure  the  entire  membership  helps  to  sustain  the  in- 
terest. 

It  would  be  well  to  have  a  specific  program  prepared 
for  perhaps  the  first  twenty  minutes  of  the  school.  This 
program  might  be  printed,  and  distributed  at  least  a  week 
in  advance ;  some  notice  should  reach  all  members  of  the 
school  before  the  day  arrives.  Teachers,  also,  should 
send  additional  notices  to  their  scholars.  Possibly  they 
could  visit  them  or  telephone  them ;  at  any  rate,  they 
should  use  every  endeavor  in  their  power  to  secure  their 
presence. 

It  is  a  lamentable  fact  that  the  regular  attendance  in 
the  average  Sunday  school  of  North  America  is  less  than 
seventy  per  cent,  of  its  enrollment;  indeed,  sixty  per 
cent,  is  more  nearly  correct.  This  means  that  more  than 
five  million  of  our  Sunday-school  enrollment  in  this 
country  are  absent  every  Sunday. 

The  program  on  Every  Member  Present  Sunday  is  one 
of  those  occasions  when  the  spectacular  may  be  used  to 
some  advantage,  and  when  the  competitive  element  is  per- 
haps admissible ;  for  example,  due  recognition  may  be 
made  by  means  of  flags,  pennants,  etc.,  of  all  classes  re- 
porting one  hundred  per  cent,  present. 

This  would  be  a  good  time  for  the  superintendent  to 
lay  out  a  carefully  prepared  program  to  be  carried  out  in 
the  school  during  the  next  three  or  six  months. 

Some  appropriate  souvenir  might  be  given  to  all  who 


Recruiting  Days  109 

are  present.  It  might  be  suggested  in  regard  to  souve- 
nirs that  those  are  the  best  which  are  sufficiently  at- 
tractive to  be  hung  in  the  home,  where  they  will  be  a 
continual  advertisement  for  the  Sunday  school. 

It  is  a  rule  that  generally  works,  that  the  Sunday  school 
having  the  largest  proportion  of  its  membership  present 
several  times  a  year  will  have  the  largest  general  per  cent- 
age  of  attendance  throughout  the  year. 


STAR  CLASS  DAY 

This  is  very  similar  to  "  Every  Member  Present  Sunday," 
except  that  the  stress  is  laid  on  securing  Star  Classes. 
"  Star  Classes  "  are  those  with  every  member  present,  un- 
less sick  or  out  of  town  ;  in  some  places,  and  in  some  de- 
partments, the  bringing  of  the  Bible  is  also  required. 

Some  recognition  of  the  Star  Classes  is  a  desirable 
feature  of  the  program.  The  customary  way  is  to  place 
a  standard  bearing  a  star  beside  each  "  Star  Class.'* 

The  lesson  period  would,  of  course,  not  be  interfered 
with. 


BANNER  CLASS  DAY 
This  may  be  observed  in  the  same  way  as  Star  Class 
Day,  with  the  exception  that  the  *'  Banner  "  feature  may 
apply  to  other  things  besides  attendance  and  the  bringing 
of  the  Bibles.  The  Banner  Classes  may  be  those  that 
have  had  the  best  record  of  attendance  in  proportion  to 
the  enrollment  for  the  month  or  quarter ;  given  the  largest 
missionary  offerings  in  proportion  to  their  number; 
brought  in  the  most  new  scholars ;  had  the  best  record 


1 1  o        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

for  punctuality;  or,  indeed,  excelled  in  anything   that 
looks  towards  the  improvement  of  the  school. 


BRING  ONE  DAY 

(Double-  Up  Day — Go-Get-  Em  Day — Get-One  Day) 
This  is  a  recruiting  Sunday.     Every  scholar  is  asked 
to  bring  in  a  new  scholar  on  this  day.     If  they  cannot 
bring  a  new  scholar,  a  visitor  may  be  brought,  possibly 
from  the  home,  not,  of  course,  from  another  school. 

All  who  have  brought  new  scholars  should  present 
them, — each  member,  perhaps,  bringing  his  new  scholar 
to  the  front  and  formally  introducing  him  to  the  superin- 
tendent of  the  school  or  of  the  department  in  which 
he  is  located,  the  superintendent  then  presenting  him  to 
the  school.  When  they  are  all  standing  in  front,  those 
who  have  brought  in  new  scholars  might  join  hands  form- 
ing a  circle,  the  new  scholars  standing  within  the  circle. 
While  in  this  position,  an  appropriate  hymn  could  be 
sung,  such  as  "  Blest  be  the  Tie  that  Binds,"  or "  We 
welcome  you  to  our  Sunday  school,"  then  a  few  words 
spoken  by  the  pastor  or  superintendent,  followed  by  a 
prayer.     This  circle  is  referred  to  as  the  "  Love  Circle." 


FULL  ATTENDANCE  DAY 
This  is  really  a  Rally  Day,  lacking  some  of  the  features 

of  Rally  Day.     The  purpose  is  to  secure  the  attendance 

of  every  member  of  the  school. 

The  Meigs  PubHshing  House,  Indianapolis,  furnish  a 

set  of  five  buttons  of  different  designs  to  be  worn  on  this 

day — one  for  the  men,  one  for  the  women,  one  for  the 


Recruiting  Days  in 

boys,  one  for  the  girls,  and  still  another  to  be  presented 
to  the  visitors. 

A  great  deal  of  effort  is  spent  in  securing  new  scholars 
which  ought  to  be  spent  in  securing  the  attendance  of 
present  scholars.  When  we  remember  that  from  twenty- 
five  to  forty  per  cent,  of  our  Sunday-school  enrollment  is 
absent  every  Sunday,  it  is  very  clear  that  the  organiza- 
tion is  not  so  effective  as  it  should  be.  Full  Attendance 
Day  has  done  much  where  it  has  been  followed  to  raise 
the  per  centage  of  attendance  to  enrollment,  not  only  on 
Full  Attendance  Sunday  but  regularly. 


FIVE  HUNDRED  DAY 

The  number  *'  five  hundred  "  is  chosen  arbitrarily,  and 
simply  means  the  setting  of  a  definite  attendance  goal  to 
be  reached  upon  that  day.  It  may  be  the  goal  should 
be  fifty,  or  one  hundred  and  fifty,  or  a  thousand.  What- 
ever the  figure  is,  it  should  be  some  little  in  advance  of 
the  regular  attendance  of  the  school,  and  every  effort 
should  be  made  to  secure  that  number. 

For  suggestions  concerning  the  program,  see  "  Every 
Member  Present  Sunday,''  and  for  further  suggestions 
concerning  the  permanent  value  of  such  a  Sunday,  see 
"  Go-to-Sunday-School  Day." 


NEIGHBOR  DAY 

Neighbor  Day  is  one  of  the  Special  Days  inaugurated 
as  a  feature  of  a  membership  campaign  by  the  First 
Presbyterian  Bible  School  of  Spokane,  Washington. 

A  card,  about  ten  inches  in  length  and  four  inches  in 


1 12         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

width,  is  printed  with  perforations  about  two  inches  from 
each  end.  At  one  end  is  an  invitation  to  Neighbor  Day, 
giving  date  and  location,  to  be  torn  off  and  handed  to 
your  neighbor  on  the  right.  On  the  other  end  is  a 
similar  invitation  to  be  detached  and  given  to  your  neigh- 
bor on  the  left.  On  the  bottom  of  the  card  are  places 
for  information  concerning  the  neighbor  on  the  right  and 
the  neighbor  on  the  left.  This  information  is  placed  in 
the  hands  of  the  superintendent  or  secretary  of  the  school 
and  kept  on  file. 

The  program  for  Neighbor  Day  consists  of  special 
music,  a  short  talk  about  the  Sunday-school  work  and 
our  responsibility  to  our  neighbor,  and  an  appropriate 
address  to  the  neighbors  who  have  come  in  answer  to 
the  invitations.  If  the  service  is  held  at  the  preaching 
hour,  the  pastor  could  appropriately  preach  a  sermon  on 
"  Who  is  my  Neighbor  ?  " 

The  results  of  Neighbor  Day  have  been  most  satis- 
factory, many  new  members  having  been  brought  into 
the  school  thereby. 


ROUND-UP  DAY 
This  is  really  another  name  for  Rally  Day,  although 
many  schools  have  a  Round-Up  Day  each  quarter,  when 
an  effort  is  made  to  secure  the  entire  attendance  of  the 
school.  In  this  respect  it  is  the  same  as  Every  Member 
Present  Sunday. 


ROLL  CALL  DAY 
This  was  the  early  name  for  Rally  Day,  and  the  calling 
of  the  roll,  especially  of  classes,  is  still  used  in  many 


Recruiting  Days  113 

places  on  that  day.  In  small  schools  the  entire  roll  is 
sometimes  called  with  good  effect.  The  object  of  the 
day  is,  of  course,  similar  to  that  of  Rally  Day ;  namely, 
the  securing  of  a  large  attendance. 


NEW  MEMBERS'  DAY 
{Reception  Day) 

This  day  is  for  the  purpose  of  giving  appropriate 
recognition  to  the  new  members  who  have  joined  the 
school  during  a  given  period,  usually  a  quarter.  It  is 
well  for  the  several  departments  to  recognize  their  new 
members  in  some  simple,  appropriate  exercise,  but  what 
is  referred  to  here  is  their  reception  in  the  main  room 
with  all  the  school  together. 

There  are  special  exercises  prepared  for  use  on  Re- 
ception Day,  one  of  which  will  be  found  in  "  How  to 
Conduct  a  Sunday  School,"  pages  148-152.  There  is  a 
real  virtue  in  thus  receiving  new  members  in  pubUc  in  a 
simple  and  dignified  manner.  All  the  persons  who  are 
to  be  received  should  be  seated  together  near  the  front. 
Just  behind  them  should  be  seated  the  teachers  of  the 
classes  to  which  these  new  members  belong.  This  is  a 
good  opportunity  for  the  superintendent  and  pastor  to 
give  some  words  of  greeting  to  the  new  scholars.  In 
some  schools,  after  this  is  done,  what  is  called  "  A  Love 
Circle  "  is  formed.  The  teachers  sitting  behind  the  new 
scholars  rise  and  join  hands,  while  the  officers  join  hands 
with  them  in  front  of  the  new  scholars,  thus  making  a 
complete  circle  with  the  new  scholars  standing  within. 
Then  a  hymn  of  fellowship  is  sung,  and  a  prayer  is 
offered  by  the  pastor.  When  this  service  is  properly 
carried  out,  it  is  very  effective. 


1 14        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

GO-TO-SUNDAY-SCHOOL  DAY 

This  day  was  instituted,  so  far  as  we  know,  by  the 
Kentucky  Sunday  School  Association,  in  1914,  the  gov- 
ernor of  the  state  issuing  a  proclamation  calling  upon 
the  people  to  go  to  Sunday  school  on  a  given  day. 
Later  the  Governor  of  Mississippi  issued  a  similar  proc- 
lamation. Georgia  followed  in  the  observance  of  the 
day,  and  now  Nebraska  and  several  other  states  have 
fallen  in  line,  and  the  movement  is  becoming  popular. 

The  Kentucky  Sunday-school  enrollment  previous  to 
Go-To-Sunday-School  Day  was  about  450,000.  On  that 
day  they  had  over  600,000  present  in  the  schools  of  the 
state,  and  a  permanent  net  gain  was  made  in  enrollment 
of  about  50,000 ;  the  average  gain  had  been  about  12,000 
per  year.  They  observed  the  day  for  the  second  time  in 
the  spring  of  191 5,  starting  out  for  an  attendance  of 
1,000,000.  They  reached  their  goal  and  more,  and 
made  a  net  gain  in  enrollment  of  60,000. 

In  Georgia  the  results  were  pretty  much  the  same, 
though  perhaps  not  quite  so  large.  A  given  number  of 
Sunday  schools  showed  an  attendance  on  Go-To-Sunday- 
School  Day  of  18,008.  These  same  schools,  on  the  same 
Sunday  a  year  before,  showed  an  attendance  of  11,676, 
a  gain  of  over  fifty  per  cent,  on  Go-To-Sunday- School 
Day. 

The  observance  of  the  day  in  some  such  large  way  is 
better  than  for  one  school,  or  a  few  schools,  to  under- 
take its  observance  alone. 

One  of  the  chief  by-products  of  Go-To-Sunday-School 
Day  is  the  general  publicity  of  the  Sunday-school  move- 
ment. Newspapers  of  all  kinds  are  quite  ready  to  print 
whatever  the  Governor  says,  and  his  proclamation  will 
be  spread  everywhere  and  many  articles  will  appear  in 


Recruiting  Days  1 15 

the  papers  and  be  read  by  people  who  are  not  at  all 
interested  in  the  Sunday  school.  Thousands  v.ho  have 
been  led  to  go  out  of  curiosity  have  maintained  their 
membership  in  the  schools,  but  even  if  they  did  not,  the 
fact  that  the  Sunday  school  is  being  talked  about  by 
everybody  is,  in  itself,  a  result  worth  working  for. 


GO-TO-CHURCH  DAY 

Go-To-Church  Day  is  usually  celebrated  not  oftener 
than  once  a  year,  and  is  engaged  in  by  all  of  the  churches 
in  a  city  or  community.  By  vigorous  advertising,  through 
newspapers,  circulars  and  personal  visitation,  the  Go-To- 
Church  sentiment  is  worked  up  until,  on  the  given  day, 
the  attendance  is  very  large.  On  the  last  Go-To-Church 
Sunday  in  Chicago  the  church  buildings  were  filled,  for 
the  most  part,  to  overflowing,  the  attendance  being  about 
twice  as  large  as  usual. 

School  Attend  in  a  Body.  One  phase  of  Go-To- 
Church  Day  which  may  be  observed  in  every  church  is 
to  have  the  school  attend  the  church  service  in  a  body, 
as  described  under  "  Church  Day." 

Go-To-Church  Band.  Mr.  Clinton  Alvord,  of  Worces- 
ter, Massachusetts,  has  started  what  is  known  as  "  The 
Go-To-Church  Band."  It  is  conducted  in  the  form  of  a 
contest.  In  describing  it,  Mr.  Alvord  says :  "  The  Band 
makes  church-going  a  contest  against  failure  for  four 
months — just  as  St.  Paul  considered  the  Christian  hfe 
a  contest — because  the  members  try  to  be  present  at 
the  preaching  service  at  least  once  each  Sunday  for  the 
term.  There  should  be  no  change  in  the  church  serv- 
ice, as  it  is  unnecessary  for  the  pastor  to  try  to  attract 


ll6        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

by  special  features,  such  as  a  special  sermon  or  hymn. 
Sentiment  ought  to  be  eliminated,  and  the  children, 
down  to  five  years  of  age,  ought  to  be  told  that  it  is 
a  hard  thing  to  meet  the  requirements.  Young  people 
enjoy  overcoming  obstacles,  and  they  enter  the  lists  ea- 
gerly. Three  separate  terms  of  four  months  each  are  ob- 
served during  the  year.  Two  absences  are  allowed  for 
good  reasons.  Recognition  is  given  in  the  service  itself 
to  those  who  have  reached  the  requirements."  About 
two  hundred  and  fifty  churches  have  now  organized  Go- 
To-Church  Bands,  and  are  enthusiastic  in  their  praise. 

Combination  Service.  The  "  Combination  Service  " 
is  another  means  of  getting  the  children  in  the  church 
service.  The  First  Christian  Church  of  Canton,  Ohio, 
Rev.  P.  H.  Welshimer,  pastor  and  superintendent,  has 
conducted  the  combination  service  for  a  good  many 
years  with  marked  success.  The  Reverend  Arthur 
Staples,  of  McKeesport,  Pennsylvania,  has  also  adopted 
this  service  regularly,  and  tells  of  it  as  follows  : 

"  We  begin  at  lO:  30,  both  church  and  Sunday  school, 
and  emphasize  the  fact  that  it  is  a  *  combination  service.' 
The  devotional  exercises  occupy  thirty  minutes,  the  ser- 
mon thirty  minutes,  Bible  study  thirty  minutes,  and  the 
closing  exercises  about  fifteen  minutes,  the  service  closing 
about  12 :  15.     Our  order  of  exercises  is  as  follows  ; 


I.     Organ  prelude 

6. 

Offertory 

2.     Hymn 

7- 

Sermon 

3.     Prayer 

8. 

Hymn 

4.     Anthem 

9- 

Bible  study 

5.     Responsive  reading 

10. 

Closing  exercises  in 
departments 

"  The  Sunday-school  superintendent  is  in  the  pulpit 
with   the   pastor   and   leads    in  the  responsive  reading. 


Recruiting  Days  117 

During  the  singing  of  the  hymn  after  the  sermon,  he 
takes  charge.  He  invites  strangers  to  remain,  makes 
whatever  announcements  he  may  have,  and  then  all  go 
to  their  departments  and  classes,  just  as  we  would  for- 
merly go  from  the  opening  exercises. 

"  The  result  is  that  with  few  exceptions  our  entire 
Sunday  school  is  in  the  church  service  and  a  very  large 
proportion  of  the  congregation  remains  for  the  half-hour 
Bible  study. 

"  Every  member  of  the  church  is  assigned  to  some 
Sunday-school  class,  and  that  teacher  and  class  are  made 
responsible  for  the  sub-pastoral  oversight  of  the  group. 
The  teacher  reports  to  the  pastor  each  quarter  on  blanks 
prepared  for  that  purpose." 


VII 
GOOD  FELLOWSHIP  DAYS 

BIRTHDAY  SUNDAY 

It  is  a  custom  in  many  schools  to  recognize  birthdays 
by  sending  a  Birthday  Letter  of  congratulation,  good 
wishes,  etc.,  signed  by  the  pastor  and  the  superintendent. 
The  members  are  asked  to  make  a  birthday  offering  on 
the  Sunday  nearest  their  birthday  towards  the  missionary 
work  of  the  school.  This  fund  is  usually  designated  the 
Birthday  Fund. 

There  are  many,  however,  whose  birthdays  are  not 
known  to  the  pastor  and  the  superintendent,  and  Birth- 
day Sunday  is  a  recognition  of  all  of  these.  One  of  the 
Sundays  in  December  has  been  suggested  as  an  appro- 
priate time  for  this  service,  taking  for  it  a  few  minutes 
of  the  opening  exercises. 

A  special,  printed  letter  of  invitation  could  be  sent  to 
all  members  of  the  school  whose  names  are  not  on  the 
Birthday  Book.  With  this  invitation  an  envelope  should 
be  enclosed,  soliciting  an  offering  on  that  day  of  at  least 
as  many  pennies  as  they  are  years  old,  and  as  much 
more  as  they  wish  to  give,  towards  the  Birthday  Fund 
for  missionary  purposes. 

On  Birthday  Sunday  the  regular  Birthday  Letter  of 
the  school  can  be  presented  to  each  one,  and  they  may 
be  asked  at  the  same  time  to  sign  a  Birthday  Card  giving 
their  birthday,  so  that  they  may  thereafter  receive  their 
letter  at  the  proper  time.     A  few  felicitous  words  from 

ii8 


Good  Fellowship  Days  1 19 

the  pastor  and  the  superintendent,  congratulating  them 
upon  their  birthdays  whenever  they  may  occur  would  not 
be  out  of  place. 


VISITORS'  DAY 

Visitors'  Day  is  adapted  to  any  time  of  the  year,  and 
may  be  confined  to  the  opening  service  of  the  Sunday 
school.  Special  eifort  is  made  by  all  members  of  the 
school  to  bring  visitors  on  that  day.  Boys  are  asked  to 
bring  their  boy  friends,  girls  their  girl  friends,  and  so  on 
throughout  the  school.  Of  course,  these  visitors  should 
not  be  invited  from  other  schools,  as  the  chief  purpose  of 
Visitors'  Day  is  to  interest  the  visitors  so  that  they  will 
become  members  of  the  school.  Every  effort  should  be 
put  forth  to  secure  the  presence  of  all  members  of  the 
church  who  are  not  members  of  the  Sunday  school ;  of 
members  of  families,  especially  parents  having  children  in 
the  Sunday  school ;  and  then  of  neighbors  and  friends. 

It  would  be  well  to  have  a  neatly  printed  souvenir  to 
give  to  the  visitors.  These  souvenirs  should  contain  a 
brief  outline  of  the  work  being  done,  with  the  names  of 
the  pastor,  officers  and  teachers,  and  a  cordial  invitation 
to  become  members. 

The  pastor  or  superintendent,  or  both,  would  do  well 
to  give  a  few  words  of  cordial  welcome  to  those  who  are 
visiting,  and,  where  the  departments  meet  separately,  the 
superintendents  of  the  various  departments  would  do  the 
same  in  their  rooms.  The  visitors  should  be  urged  to 
remain  throughout  the  entire  session  in  appropriate 
classes,  where  they  may  see  the  work  that  is  actually 
going  on.  Some  may  desire  to  visit  other  departments 
of  the  school,  and  this  could  be  done  under  the  direction 


120        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

of  the  proper  officials,  who  would  see  that  it  was  done  in 
a  way  to  produce  the  least  disturbance  possible  of  the 
regular  work. 

Good  impressions  made  on  such  a  day  will  likely  bring 
additions  in  considerable  number. 


OLD  CAROL  DAY 
As  the  name  indicates,  this  is  a  time  for  singing  old 
carols  and  old  church  hymns.  It  would  be  a  very  enter- 
taining feature  if  some  of  the  older  people  would  sing 
some  of  the  pieces  they  used  to  sing  when  they  were 
young  folks,  especially  if  they  would  be  willing  to  dress 
in  the  costume  of  the  old  people  of  those  early  days. 
There  are  selections  prepared  for  this  purpose,  which 
may  be  had  in  book  form.  Almost  any  church  or  Sun- 
day school  has  enough  old  people  who  can  sing  to  make 
a  very  interesting  service.  A  choir  of  old  people  trained 
to  sing  **  Old  Easter  Anthem  "  would  raise  almost  any 
Sunday  school  to  its  feet.  If  old  folks  cannot  be  obtained 
in  large  enough  numbers,  have  some  of  the  young  people 
dress  up  as  old  folks.  The  pastor  might  say  a  few  words 
about  each  of  the  old  pieces  that  are  sung.  How  many 
of  our  scholars  know  where  "  Old  Hundred  "  came  from, 
and  how  it  happened  to  be  called  "  Old  Hundred  "  ?  It 
would  be  interesting  to  tell  such  things  to  the  school. 
There  is  a  fine  opportunity  here  to  have  a  very  pleasant 
twenty  minutes. 


MUSIC  DAY 
Here  is  a  chance  for  the  Music  Committee  and  the 
Chorister  to  do  some  good  work  by  placing  emphasis 


Good  Fellowship  Days  I2i 

upon  music  in  a  way  that  cannot  be  done  at  a  regular 
session.  A  short  talk  on  "The  Purpose  of  Music," 
"  Music  as  Worship,"  "  Music  as  an  Inspiration,"  or  some 
such  topic,  would  be  helpful.  The  playing  or  singing  of 
specially  selected  numbers,  with  the  purpose  of  showing 
how  to  get  the  most  out  of  a  hymn  or  instrumental  num- 
ber, would  also  be  profitable.  If  the  school  has  had  an 
opportunity  to  vote  upon  the  song  they  like  the  best,  that 
favorite  song  could  be  sung.  Perhaps  the  church  organist 
would  play  a  special  number;  or  the  orchestra,  if  it  is  a 
good  one.  It  would  be  a  good  idea  to  introduce  the 
children's  choir,  if  the  school  has  one,  and  have  them 
sing  one  or  two  special  numbers.  Have  a  good  soloist 
from  the  church,  or  outside,  come  in  and  sing— not  as  an 
entertainment,  but  just  for  the  upHft  of  a  well-rendered 
religious  solo.  We  do  not  make  enough  of  our  music; 
too  often  it  is  used  as  a  "  filler." 


SONG  DAY 

The  opening  service  on  Song  Day  would  consist  of 
the  singing  of  one  song  after  another  without  break, 
except  for  one  short  prayer.  The  scholars  generally  de- 
light to  sing,  and  if  the  numbers  are  taken  up  promptly, 
without  long  introductions  and  interludes,  they  hke  it  all 
the  better. 

It  would  be  well  to  let  the  classes  select  their  favorite 
numbers  in  advance  and  hand  them  in.  This  would  avoid 
duplication  and  enable  the  chorister,  by  appropriate 
selection,  to  lead  up  to  the  quiet  time  of  lesson  study.  A 
class  might  sing  one  verse  of  their  favorite  number,  then 
the  school  sing  the  next  verse.     A  verse  or  so  might  also 


122        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

be  sung  as  a  solo.     It  would  be  preferable,  probably,  to 
sing  not  more  than  two  verses  of  any  hymn. 

An  opening  service  given  up  wholly  to  singing  in  this 
way  will  be  greatly  appreciated  and  enjoyed. 


WELCOME  DAY 

Welcome  Day  may  be  observed  in  a  number  of  ways. 
If  a  new  pastor  has  just  come,  the  welcome  may  be  for 
him  and  his  wife ;  or  it  may  be  for  a  superintendent,  or 
for  a  teacher.  Brief  remarks  of  welcome  and  response 
with,  perhaps,  a  song  and  a  prayer,  would  make  a  very 
pleasing  service. 


PENNANT  DAY 
It  is  quite  the  fashion  nowadays  for  the  Sunday  school 
to  have  a  pennant  made  of  the  school  colors.  On  Pen- 
nant Day  this  large  pennant  might  be  displayed,  and 
small  pennants — possibly  of  paper,  but  of  the  proper 
colors  and  form —  presented  to  all  who  attend,  to  be  worn 
upon  the  coat  or  dress.  A  five  or  ten  minute  talk  might, 
perhaps,  be  given  by  the  pastor  or  superintendent  on  the 
use  of  pennants  by  ships,  colleges,  etc.,  and,  especially, 
on  the  significance  of  the  school  pennant. 


REMINISCENT  DAY 
Reminiscent  Day  is  so  called  because  it  is  set  apart  for 
singing  old  carols  and  songs,  and  listening  to  short  talks 
concerning  the  work  of  the  school  and  church  in  days 
gone  by. 


Good  Fellowship  Days  123 

STRANGERS'  DAY 

This  can  be  made  a  very  interesting  day  if  properly- 
worked  up,  particularly  in  a  city  where  there  are  many 
strangers  at  the  hotels. 

If  the  church  and  Sunday  school  can  join  in  observing 
this  day,  all  the  better,  the  pastor  welcoming  the  stran- 
gers who  may  be  in  the  church  service  by  a  few  appro- 
priate remarks. 

This  is  a  fine  opportunity  to  extend  Sunday-school 
interest,  and  do  a  good  turn  for  the  strangers  by  giving 
them  a  very  happy  day.  If  some  of  the  strangers  were 
taken  into  the  homes  of  the  people  for  the  noon-day 
meal,  it  would  remind  them  of  their  own  homes  and 
make  them  think  more  of  the  church. 


CHURCH  DAY 

The  Church  in  the  School.  The  purpose  of  this  day 
is  to  bind  church  and  Sunday  school  closer  together. 
Special  effort  should  be  made  to  secure  the  presence  of 
all  the  members  of  the  church  in  the  Sunday  school. 
This  will  require  work ;  but  if  entered  into  with  the  right 
spirit,  it  will  arouse  a  great  deal  of  enthusiasm  in  the 
school.  Parents  may,  perhaps,  be  invited  to  sit  in  the 
classes  with  their  children  during  the  opening  service. 

The  School  in  the  Church.  The  school,  also,  except 
the  very  small  children,  should  be  encouraged  to  attend 
the  church  service  in  a  body  on  this  day. 

Church  and  School  Together.  Some  schools  cele- 
brate this  day  by  having  a  joint  service,  usually  at  the 
church  hour,  church   and   Sunday  school  meeting  to- 


124        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

gether,  the  school  sitting  in  a  body.  Then  the  regular 
church  service  is  conducted  in  an  abbreviated  form,  with 
a  very  short  sermon  by  the  pastor — the  whole  church 
service  part  not  taking  over  forty-five  minutes.  This 
enables  the  school  to  see  just  what  the  church  service 
really  is.  Then  a  Sunday-school  service  follows,  in  which 
the  Sunday  school  goes  through  its  opening  exercises, 
and  does  everything  it  usually  does  on  Sunday,  except 
engaging  in  the  study  of  the  lesson — this  part  of  the 
service  not  taking  more  than  thirty  minutes.  The  church 
in  this  way  gets  an  idea  of  what  is  going  on  in  the  Sun- 
day school.  The  order  of  service  may  be  reversed  if 
desired. 


ST.  VALENTINE'S  DAY 

{Heart  Day) 

The  fact  that  everybody,  a  child  particularly,  loves  to 
receive  valentines,  has  been  used  to  advantage  by  some 
Sunday-school  workers,  especially  those  in  the  Elemen- 
tary Division.  While  the  observance  of  the  day  is  not 
specially  commended,  it  nevertheless  affords  a  good  op- 
portunity to  send  messages  of  good-will. 

Mythical  Origin.  The  day  is  meant  to  be  a  joyful  one. 
There  are  those  who  think  it  originated  away  back  in 
Bible  times,  and  that  it  is  referred  to  in  Esther,  the  ninth 
chapter  and  the  nineteenth  verse,  where  it  speaks  of  "  the 
fourteenth  day  of  the  month  Adar  (our  February),  a  day 
of  gladness  and  feasting,  and  a  good  day,  and  of  sending 
portions  one  to  another." 

Hospital  or  Mission  School.  Some  classes  or  depart- 
ments in  the  Sunday  school  make  their  own  valen- 
tines  and   then   send   them   to   the   children's  ward    in 


Good  Fellowship  Days  125 

one  of  the  hospitals,  or  to  the  children  in  some  mission 
school. 

Illuminated  Cards.  Illuminated  cards  with  Scripture 
texts  or  beautiful  sentiment  may  be  procured  in  large 
variety  and  at  small  cost.  One  superintendent  selected 
some  of  these  cards  with  Scripture  verses  upon  them,  and 
then  had  printed  in  small  type : 

"  St.  Valentine's  a  splendid  day 
Old  friendships  to  renew, 
And  that  explains  this  little  card  — 
Our  Valentine  for  you." 

Love  Letters.  Four  hearts,  fastened  together  with  a 
ribbon,  and  called  '<  Love  Letters,"  were  issued  by  the 
Auburn  Park  Methodist  Episcopal  Sunday  School,  of 
Chicago.  On  the  first  was  a  message  from  the  pastor ; 
on  the  second,  from  the  superintendent;  on  the  third, 
from  the  superintendent  of  the  Cradle  Roll ;  and  on  the 
fourth,  from  the  superintendent  of  the  Elementary  Divi- 
sion, who  summed  up  the  other  messages  as  follows : 

How  many  letters  shall  we  send 
To  my  precious  little  friend 
Telling  of  our  love  for  you. 
To  help  you  to  be  strong  and  true? 
Mr.  Mattison,  first  of  all, 
Tells  you  of  the  Saviour's  call. 
Mr.  Northrop  calls  Him,  Friend, 
He  will  help  you  to  the  end. 
Then  our  own  dear  Mrs.  Grace 
Loves  to  see  your  happy  face. 
Mrs.  Shaw  is  the  baby's  friend, 
Writes  her  letter  just  for  them. 


126        special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

But  I'm  sure  you'll  all  agree, 
Children  of  the  school  M.  E., 
Big  and  little,  belong  to  me. 
My  love  and  strength  are  yet  so  frail, 
'Tis  good  to  know  God's  cannot  fail. 
God's  great  love  for  us  all  is  seen 
In  His  word  John  iii.  i6. 

Prayerfully  yours, 

Alice  Dietz. 

A  Dove.  A  wonderfully  beautiful  design  is  that  of  a 
flying  dove  carrying  a  little  card  virith  the  following  words 
printed  upon  it : 

VALENTINE 

(Auburn  Park  M.  E.  Sunday  School^ 
To-day  the  postman's  bag  is  full, 
And  very  oft  he  tarries 
To  leave  for  little  boys  and  girls 
Love  messages  he  carries. 

God's  Message  for  you  to-day  says : 
<*  Yea,  I  have  loved  you  with  an  everlasting  love : 
Therefore  with  loving  kindness  have  I  drawn  thee." 

(Jer.  xxxi.  3). 

Heart  Sunday.  The  Sunday  nearest  to  St.  Valentine's 
Day  is  sometimes  called  "  Heart  Sunday."  It  is  cele- 
brated under  that  name  by  a  church  in  California.  On 
one  occasion  they  made  their  own  cards — red  hearts  with 
white  arrows  thrust  through  them  and  pasted.  On  the 
red  hearts  was  the  verse,  in  gold  letters  : 

Create  in  me  a  clean  heart,  O  God, 
And  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 

(Psa.  li.  10.) 


Good  Fellowship  Days  127 

On  the  other  side  of  the  hearts  were  the  words : 

Heart  Sunday ^ 

February  /j", 

M.  E.  Sunday  School 

Los  GatoSy  Cal. 

On  the  arrows  was  a  small  picture  of  the  church,  and  the 

words : 

Let  this  arrow  point  the  way, 
And  lead  you  every  Sabbath  Day. 

Another  school  celebrates  Heart  Sunday  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner :  A  red  heart  is  prepared  of  pasteboard 
and  cut  into  as  many  artistic  forms  as  there  are  members 
in  the  department.  On  a  large  board  covered  with 
white,  a  heart  is  drawn  the  same  size  as  the  red  heart, 
with  pencil  markings  indicating  the  size  and  shape  into 
which  the  red  heart  has  been  cut.  The  names  of  the 
scholars  are  written  in  the  various  spaces  on  the  white 
heart,  and  also  upon  the  red  pieces.  The  red-heart 
pieces  are  presented  to  the  scholars  the  Sunday  before 
the  exercise  is  to  take  place,  with  the  request  that  they 
bring  the  cards  back  the  following  Sunday.  When  the 
day  arrives,  the  teacher  calls  the  roll  from  the  names  on 
the  white  heart,  and  the  scholars  bring  up  their  red 
pieces  which  the  teacher  attaches  to  the  white  board,  in 
the  proper  place,  by  a  pin  or  thumb  tack.  When  all  the 
scholars  are  there,  the  red  heart  is  complete.  If  any 
scholars  are  absent,  it  is  very  noticeable.  A  little  verse 
by  each  scholar  about  helping  people,  and  a  song  by  the 
school,  completes  the  exercise. 


VIII 

RECREATION  DAYS 

PICNIC  DAY 
{Field  Day) 

It  is  useless  to  undertake  to  tell  what  picnics  are. 
Everybody  knows.  They  will  grow  in  a  night,  like 
mushrooms,  if  you  will  let  them.  A  bunch  of  young 
folks,  whether  half-a-dozen  or  hundreds;  a  hike,  just 
anywhere,  so  it's  away ;  lunch  baskets — that  is  a  picnic. 
All  picnics  are  practically  the  same  as  this  except  for  the 
organization  that  brings  variety,  and  method,  and  super- 
vision. The  outdoor  exercise,  with  the  running  and 
shouting  and  games,  make  a  large  contribution  to  the 
enjoyment  of  young  people,  and  really  add  an  element 
to  their  life  that  is  necessary.  The  American  people  do 
not  play  enough,  and  this  is  especially  true  of  grown-ups. 
If  the  men  and  women  past  forty  played  more  they 
would  live  longer.  The  human  machinery  should  be 
let  down  occasionally  and  allowed  to  run  on  the  slow 
gear.  All  that  is  necessary  to  get  up  a  good  picnic  any- 
where is  that  half-a-dozen  young  people  get  together 
and  talk  things  over,  make  out  a  plan,  and  carry  it  out. 

Sunday-School  Picnics  Different.  Sunday-school 
picnics  are  different,  however,  from  any  other,  in  that 
they  should  be  definitely  planned  with  a  double  purpose 
in  view :  first,  to  have  a  good  time  and  make  everybody 
feel  that  it  really  pays  to  belong  to  a  Sunday  school  that 
looks  after  the  recreation  and  fun  side  of  life ;  and  sec- 

128 


o 
O  ^ 
Q     a2 


o     s 

O     C» 


Recreation  Days  129 

ond,  and  by  far  the  more  important  in  the  end,  to  get  a 
hold  upon  the  scholars  and  others  that  may  be  used 
afterwards  to  win  them  into  the  Christian  life  and  lead 
them  into  service.  Oftentimes  a  teacher  who  plays  ball 
with  his  class  of  boys  can  open  gates  that  months  of 
Sundays  would  not  unlatch.  Then  again,  choicest 
friendships  are  often  formed  through  the  Sunday-school 
picnic. 

Announcements.  An  endless  variety  of  choice  printed 
matter,  announcements,  programs,  etc.,  has  been  devel- 
oped by  the  picnic.  The  Central  Methodist  Episcopal 
Sunday  School  of  Bridgeton,  New  Jersey,  of  which  Mr. 
John  O.  Spencer  is  the  superintendent,  has  a  way  of  get- 
ting up  announcements  that  are  very  fetching.  One  pic- 
nic is  called  "  A  Family  FroHc,"  and  the  announcement, 
after  giving  the  date,  reads : 

That  Is  the  Day 
When  We  Roll  Out  of  Town 

for 
Union  Lake  Parky  Millville, 

Then  again : 

So  Here  We  Go^ 

All  in  a  RoWy 

Over  the  Pike^ 

To  Millville. 

Another  of  their  circulars  has  this  heading : 

Rig-a-jig-jig 
And  Away  We  Go. 

And  still  another : 

Not  a  Sleigh' Ride  but  a  Picnic. 


130         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Another  school  advertises  with  a  blotting  pad  upon 
which  are  printed  the  following  words : 


BLOT  out  of  mind  EVERYTHING 

For  Next  Wednesday 

EXCEPT 

THE  BIBLE  SCHOOL  PICNIC 

BUSHKILL  PARK,  JULY  8th 


COMEimCOME! 


children  'j   f\  f\  n  |g  |^  |  Dinner  at  12.      Supper  after  a  while. 
Athletic  Sports.  Old  Friends. 

New  Acquaintances.  Swings,  Ponies. 
A  PICNIC! 


FIRST  REFORMED  BIBLE  SCHOOL 


Many  schools  provide  all  their  members  with  a  tag  to 
be  worn  upon  the  coat  or  dress,  giving  the  name  of  the 
school  and  the  place  of  the  picnic  on  one  side,  and 
on  the  other  side  a  list  of  the  coming  events  in  their 
school 

Committees.  If  possible,  it  is  a  good  thing  for  the 
school  to  meet  at  the  church  or  some  central  point,  and 
all  start  together.  Many  find  it  desirable  to  check  the 
lunch  baskets.  This  requires  a  committee  and  means  of 
transportation,  but  the  children  can  enjoy  themselves 
much  better  if  thej/-  do  not  have  their  baskets  to  look 
after;  when  lunch  time  comes,  they  can  be  easily  pro- 
cured. 


Recreation  Days  131 

It  is  well,  also,  to  have  committees  to  look  after  the 
various  features  of  the  picnic — grounds,  transportation, 
music,  drinking  water,  sports,  Red  Cross  (in  case  of  acci- 
dent or  sickness),  etc. 

Banners.  If  the  school  owns  a  flag,  and  every  school 
should  own  a  flag,  it  should  be  carried  to  the  picnic 
grounds  and  put  up  at  the  headquarters.  It  is  also  a 
good  idea  to  have  the  name  of  the  school  in  large  letters 
on  a  cloth  banner.  This  can  be  tied  up  between  two 
trees,  or  placed  where  it  can  be  readily  seen.  If  the 
school  is  large  enough,  it  is  well  to  have  a  band ;  some 
schools  can  provide  their  own. 

Luncheon.  Upon  arriving  at  the  grounds,  a  short 
time  should  be  allowed  for  promiscuous  rambling  about 
and  playing — for  everybody  will  be  full  of  play.  At 
lunch  time  it  is  a  good  idea  for  classes  to  lunch  together, 
or  families,  or  departments.  Care  should  be  taken  that 
none  of  the  children  are  compelled  to  lunch  alone,  and 
that  any  who  have  not  brought  lunches  are  provided  for. 
The  school  can  perhaps  furnish  certain  parts  of  the  lunch, 
such  as  coffee,  lemonade,  ice-cream,  or  watermelon. 

Games.  The  games  should  be  systematically  carried 
out,  the  names  of  all  who  have  entered  any  given  contest 
being  announced  before  the  contest  begins.  There  is  an 
endless  variety  of  choice  games  for  a  picnic.  By  way 
of  suggestion  a  few  are  named,  some  for  young  people, 
some  for  children,  some  for  boys,  and  some  for  girls : 
Baseball  (using  a  soft  ball).  Tug  of  War,  Relay  Race, 
Potato  Race,  Short  Run  Race,  Jumping  Race,  Running 
and  Broad  Jump,  Ball-Throwing  just  for  Women,  Fat 
Men's  Race,  Kangaroo  Race,  Three-Legged  Race,  Pull- 
Up  Stakes  Race,  Side-Step  Race,  Shoe-Lacing  Race. 
There  are  also  aquatic  sports,  if  there  is  suitable  water. 


132         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

such  as  Dive  for  Distance,  Relay  Race,  Under- Water 
Swim,  Duck  Race,  Rowing  Races,  etc.  Then,  there  are 
features  of  general  interest,  such  as  Swings,  Merry-Go- 
Rounds,  Shuffle  Boards ;  and  an  endless  variety  of  fun- 
making  devices,  such  as  a  Comb  Band,  a  Curio  Museum, 
Balloon  Ascensions.  (See  accompanying  illustration.) 
Some  of  the  Sunday-school  supply  houses  furnish  balloons 
made  in  fantastic  shapes,  which  can  be  had  at  a  small  price. 
Anybody  can  operate  them,  and  the  sight,  for  instance, 
of  an  elephant  ten  feet  long  and  six  or  eight  feet  broad 
saihng  through  the  air  as  if  he  despised  the  earth,  gives 
great  pleasure,  especially  to  the  children.  There  are  other 
funny  things,  such  as  suspending  doughnuts  from  strings 
and  eating  them  with  one's  hands  behind  his  back,  or 
eating  apples  in  the  same  way,  or  putting  apples  in  a  tub 
of  water  and  letting  anybody  have  them  who  can  get 
them  out  with  his  teeth.  Let  the  boys  and  girls  think 
up  things,  and  you  will  have  more  than  you  can  do  in 
forty  picnics ;  the  question  will  be  to  confine  yourself  to 
those  you  want  to  use. 

For  many  years  the  Marion  Lawrance  School,  in 
Toledo,  has  had  a  competitive  Egg  Hunt  in  connection 
with  their  annual  picnic.  A  thousand  wooden  eggs,  the 
size  and  shape  of  a  hen's  Qgg  and  painted  red,  are  hidden 
away  in  the  grass  and  bushes  by  a  committee  who  go  to 
the  grounds  early  in  the  morning.  A  certain  space  is  set 
aside  for  each  department  of  the  school,  even  including  the 
adult  department.  Of  course,  the  older  the  people  the 
more  care  is  used  in  hiding  the  eggs.  When  the  signal 
is  given  to  go  after  the  eggs,  there  is  a  grand  scramble, 
you  may  imagine, — children  and  gray-haired  grandfathers 
and  grandmothers  running  about  here  and  there,  looking 
under  bushes  and  in  every  available  place  searching  for 


Recreation  Days  133 

eggs.  The  boy  or  girl,  or  man  or  woman,  in  each  de- 
partment who  finds  the  most  eggs  receives  a  reward  of 
some  sort,  such  as  a  ride  on  the  launch  or  a  watermelon 
treat.  Somewhere  on  the  grounds  a  golden  egg  is  hidden, 
the  finder  of  which  receives  five  dollars.  The  money  is 
usually  turned  back  into  the  treasury  by  the  one  who  re- 
ceives it,  but  that  is  not  required. 

A  Real  Asset.  The  picnic  affords  a  fine  opportunity 
for  extending  acquaintance.  The  choicest  friendships  are 
often  formed  through  the  Sunday-school  picnic.  When 
the  people  have  had  a  real  good  time  and  are  a  little  tired, 
let  them  sit  down  on  the  grass,  and  have  some  one  give 
a  short  talk  on  some  appropriate  subject.  The  Moody 
Sunday  School,  of  Chicago,  make  much  of  their  picnic, 
and  look  upon  it  as  a  real  asset  in  the  work  of  their  school. 
They  own  a  twenty-acre  tract,  called  "  Rest  Awhile,"  on 
a  beautiful  lake  near  the  city,  and  go  there  every  year. 
It  is  dedicated  to  the  Lord's  work  just  as  their  church  is. 
After  a  full  day  of  sport  they  have  a  sunset  meeting, 
with  prayers  and  testimonies,  and  count  it  one  of  the 
valuable  services  of  the  year. 

At  the  end  of  the  year  the  scholars,  especially  the 
boys  and  girls,  will  look  back  to  the  joys  of  the  picnic 
with  greater  delight  than  to  almost  any  other  experience 
connected  with  the  school.  A  picnic,  properly  carried 
out,  is  of  great  advantage  in  creating  and  promoting 
genuine  school  spirit. 

A  Winter  Picnic.  A  winter  picnic  may  afford  the 
young  people  a  very  pleasant  evening.  It  is  usually  held 
in  the  basement  or  social  room  of  the  church,  or  in  a  hall 
procured  for  the  purpose.  The  ingenuity  of  the  young 
people  will  need  no  quickening  and  they  will  arrange  a 
program  in  short  order  which  will  be  full  of  hfe  and  in- 


134        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

terest.     One  school  arranging  an  afternoon  winter  picnic 
advertised : 

*'  No  wading  allowed  " 
'•  Dofit  take  the  flowers  or  ferns  " 
"  Fish-hooks  and  bait  supplied  free  of  charged 


MAY  DAY 

In  some  climates  this  is  a  beautiful  time  of  year  for 
an  outing,  though  it  does  not  take  the  place  of  the  picnic, 
as  it  is  not  the  best  time  of  year  for  most  schools  to  hold 
their  picnic. 

Many  dehghtful  features  are  connected  with  the  ob- 
servance of  May  Day,  such  as  the  crowning  of  the  May 
Queen,  and  the  fun  the  children  have  around  a  May  Pole. 
There  are  many  May  Day  songs,  and  the  day  is  particu- 
larly enjoyed  by  the  Elementary  and  Secondary  Di- 
visions of  the  Sunday  school. 

May  baskets  afford  a  beautiful  way  of  celebrating  the 
day,  especially  for  the  Secondary  Division.  Little  bas- 
kets filled  with  flowers  are  hung  upon  the  door-knobs 
of  those  for  whom  they  are  intended,  then  the  door-bell 
is  rung,  and  the  children  run  away  leaving  the  happy 
people  to  find  the  flowers  when  they  open  the  door. 
Sometimes  a  card  is  put  in  each  of  the  baskets  wishing  a 
very  happy  May  Day  in  the  name  of  the  Sunday  school. 
These  May  baskets  are  often  in  like  manner  sent  to  the 
sick. 


SWINGING  FESTIVAL 
No  less  prominent  a  Sunday-school  worker  than  Mr. 
John    R.   Pepper    recommends   the   Swinging   Festival. 


Recreation  Days  135 

This  festival  is  designed,  of  course,  for  the  very  small 
children.     What  child  does  not  love  to  swing  ! 

The  basement  of  the  church  is  cleared  of  chairs  and 
tables,  and  fitted  up  with  swings.  By  the  placing  of 
large  screw-eyes  in  the  beams  that  run  through  the 
building,  the  swings  are  easily  adjusted. 

Many  of  the  children  are  too  small  to  come  alone,  so 
their  parents  or  older  brothers  or  sisters  come  with  them, 
thus  giving  an  opportunity  for  the  workers  among  the 
children  to  get  acquainted  with  them. 

Many  children  can  swing  at  once,  and  there  is  an 
hilarious  time  when  the  swings  are  all  in  motion.  After 
one  bunch  of  children,  have  had  a  good  swing,  they  are 
taken  into  another  room  where  light  refreshments  are 
served.  Meanwhile,  other  children  are  having  their 
swing,  and  so  on  until  all  have  had  a  good  time. 

This  festival  occurs  once  or  twice  a  year,  and  has  been 
carried  on  for  a  number  of  years.  Mr.  Pepper  speaks 
very  highly  of  the  benefit  it  has  been  to  them. 


PARADE  DAY 

{Big  Walk  Day) 
Sunday-school  parades  are  often  engaged  in  by  all  the 
schools  of  a  neighborhood  in  a  city,  as  has  been  done  in 
Brooklyn,  Philadelphia,  and  other  cities,  large  and  small. 
The  schools  usually  assemble  at  their  own  churches  at  a 
given  hour,  old  and  young  together.  Sometimes  three 
or  four  or  even  more  schools  located  near  to  each  other 
meet  at  a  given  point,  and  march  around  a  certain  num- 
ber of  squares.  It  is  not  considered  wise  in  these  days 
of  automobiles  and  electric  street-cars  to  undertake  a 
large  parade  of  children.     It  would  require  too  long  a 


136        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

march  for  most  of  the  smaller  children  anyway.  These 
small  groups,  however,  mostly  in  the  residential  parts  of 
the  cities,  shake  the  cities,  even  the  large  ones,  in  a 
wonderful  way.  Brooklyn  and  Philadelphia  often  have  a 
hundred  thousand  people  in  line  at  one  time,  though 
they  are  not  in  the  same  line.  After  the  parade  the 
groups  go  back  to  their  own  churches,  and  have  a  pro- 
gram of  speaking  and  singing  and  refreshments.  Some- 
times the  program  is  carried  out  before  the  parade,  and 
the  refreshments  served  afterwards.  The  most  promi- 
nent men  of  the  city  or  state  are  usually  available  as 
speakers  on  such  occasions  as  Parade  Day.  There  is 
often  band  music,  or  the  schools  may  sing  upon  the 
streets. 

In  some  places  it  is  called  the  <'  Big  Walk."  The 
Stockport  Sunday  School  in  England  calls  it  "  Stockport 
Day,"  and  this  school,  which  is  regarded  as  one  of  the 
institutions  of  the  city,  engages  in  it  alone.  They  as- 
semble in  the  public  square,  where  appropriate  addresses 
are  given  and  hymns  sung. 

This  Day  does  a  great  deal  towards  popularizing  the 
Sunday  school  and  opening  the  eyes  of  the  people  as  to 
its  possibilities. 


o 

(^  ^ 

H    o 

"I 

o  '^ 

§1 


«3      fe 


IX 

PATRIOTIC  DAYS 

PATRIOTIC  DAY 

Flag  Day — Independence  Day  {in  the  United  States)— 
Dominion  Day  (in  Canada) 

This  day  is  usually  celebrated  in  the  United  States  on 
the  Sunday  nearest  to  the  Fourth  of  July,  and  in  Canada 
on  nearly  the  same  date,  the  Sunday  nearest  to  the  First 
of  July.  The  same  principles  apply  to  both  countries, 
and,  indeed,  to  all  countries. 

Many  appropriate  patriotic  services  are  now  prepared, 
and  of  suitable  music  there  is  an  embarrassment  of  riches. 

The  Two  Flags.  It  is  a  good  thing  for  every  Sunday 
school  to  have  two  flags — the  Christian  flag  and  the  flag 
of  its  country.  The  salute  to  each  of  these  flags  is  very 
simple  and  is  applicable  to  all  Christian  countries. 

Salute  to  the  United  States  Flag:  The  flag  is  held 
aloft  and  the  salute  given  by  extending  the  right  hand 
towards  it  and  repeating :  "  I  pledge  allegiance  to  my 
Flag  and  to  the  Republic  for  which  it  stands  :  One  Na- 
tion, indivisible,  with  Liberty  and  Justice  for  all." 

Salute  to  the  Christian  Flag:  The  flag  is  held  aloft 
and  the  salute  given  by  extending  the  right  hand 
towards  it  and  repeating :  "  I  pledge  allegiance  to  my 
Flag  and  to  the  Saviour  for  whose  kingdom  it  stands  : 
One  brotherhood,  uniting  all  nations  in  Service  and 
Love." 

America.     The  National  Hymn  should,  of  course,  be 

^37 


138        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

sung,  everybody  standing,  and  patriotic  recitations  and 
addresses  given,  though  each  feature  should  be  very  short. 
It  is  a  good  plan  for  all  to  wear  a  httle  flag.  They  are 
very  inexpensive,  and  are  made  for  such  occasions. 

This  is  a  fine  time  to  introduce  some  old  soldiers  or 
some  of  the  militia  in  uniform,  to  have  some  martial 
music — the  Battle  Hymn  of  the  Republic,  the  Star- 
Spangled  Banner — and  the  reading  of  the  Declaration 
of  Independence  by  a  young  man  dressed  in  the  style 
of  the  colonies  in  1776.  The  Boy  Scouts  may  also  be 
used  to  advantage. 

The  following  brief  account  of  the  first  singing  of 
**  America  "  would  be  listened  to  with  interest : 

**  Nothing  had  been  heard  of  a  safe  and  sane  celebra- 
tion of  Independence  Day  eighty-one  years  ago.  Yet 
on  July  4,  1832,  a  children's  celebration  of  much  the 
same  nature  recommended  nowadays  was  held  in  Park 
Street  Church,  Boston.  As  part  of  the  program  the  now 
famous  hymn,  *  America,*  was  pubHcly  sung  for  the  first 
time.  Among  those  in  the  audience  was  Edward  Everett 
Hale,  whom  boys  and  girls  know  as  the  author  of '  A 
Man  Without  a  Country.'  According  to  his  own  story 
in  later  years — happening  to  pass  Park  Street  Church  as 
other  boys  were  marching  in,  he  joined  them  and  was 
among  those  who  first  heard  *  America.' 

"  The  author  of  the  hymn  was  present.  He  was  a 
young  theological  student,  named  Samuel  F.  Smith,  and 
had  no  idea  that  his  *  little  verses '  would  ever  win  na- 
tional recognition.  He  would  have  been  amazed  to 
know  that  in  eighty  years  every  school  boy  and  girl  in 
the  length  and  breadth  of  the  United  States  would  be 
singing  his  words  from  memory. 

"  Dr.  Smith  became  in  later  years  an  honored  clergy- 


Patriotic  Days  139 

man  and  author.  He  was  a  most  pious  and  God-fear- 
ing man,  especially  devoted  to  the  cause  of  missions. 
He  wrote  many  hymns,  among  them  the  grand  old  mis- 
sionary hymn, '  The  Morning  Light  is  Breaking.'  It  is 
as  the  author  of  *  America,'  however,  that  he  is  most 
widely  known  and  most  deeply  loved." — New  York  Ad- 
vocate. 

Attendance  Rewardo  In  order  to  secure  interest  in 
the  attendance  for  this  day,  a  flag,  perhaps  two  feet  long 
and  properly  mounted,  could  be  presented  to  each  class 
that  had  its  entire  enrollment  present  or  accounted  for. 


GOOD  CITIZENSHIP  DAY 
This  is  nearly  the  same  as  Patriotic  Day,  but  it  gives 
a  fine  opportunity  to  stress  good  citizenship  as  it  relates 
to  political  matters,  voting  for  clean  men,  standing  for 
righteous  measures,  improving  the  health  and  beauty 
of  the  city,  and  engaging  in  other  city-wide  enterprises 
looking  towards  the  laying  of  foundations  for  good 
citizenship  among  the  boys  and  girls. 

Many  schools  use  some  such  statement  as  the  follow- 
ing in  connection  with  the  opening  service : 

THE  CREED  OF  CHRISTIAN  PATRIOTISM 

(^Repeated  by  All) 

I  believe  that  human  governments  are  ordained  of  God,  are 
bound  in  all  their  acts  by  His  law,  are  essential  to  human  welfare, 
and  are,  therefore,  to  be  loyally  upheld. 

I  believe  that  Christ's  law,  "  Render  unto  Caesar  the  things  that 
are  Caesar's,"  binds  me  to  the  intelligent  and  faithful  performance 
of  my  full  duty  as  a  citizen. 

I  believe  that  that  duty  includes  the  following : 

The  payment  of  all  taxes  justly  assessed  against  me. 


140        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

The  study  of  the  questions  to  be  decided  at  the  polls. 

The  knowledge  of  the  several  political  districts  in  which  I  reside ^ 
and  the  records  of  the  several  candidates. 

To  register  and  vote,  and  to  exert  a  positive  influence  at  every 
general  and  primary  election,  so  far  as  1  may,  for  the  triumph  of 
righteous  men  and  measures. 

To  take  an  active  interest  in  public  affairs  and  in  my  country's 
history  and  welfare. 

Thus  believing,  everywhere  and  always,  the  first  affection  of  my 
heart  and  the  first  labor  of  my  hands,  next  to  that  due  to  Christ's 
world-wide  kingdom,  shall  be  my  country's. 


DECORATION  DAY 
(Memorial  Day) 

This  is  a  patriotic  service,  and  is  observed  on  the  Sun- 
day nearest  to  the  thirtieth  of  May,  which  is  set  aside  as 
Memorial  Day. 

It  affords  a  fine  opportunity  in  the  Sunday  school  to 
use  flag  decorations,  sing  patriotic  songs,  and  honor  the 
old  soldiers.  Love  of  country  vi^as  taught  by  Christ,  and 
ought  to  be  taught  diligently  by  us. 

A  display  of  some  of  the  old  battle  flags  if  they  can 
be  had,  the  presence  of  some  of  the  old  soldiers  in  their 
uniforms,  a  brief  talk  by  an  old  Christian  soldier,  possibly 
a  little  martial  music — all  would  help  to  make  a  very  in- 
teresting occasion,  and  would  not  be  out  of  place. 

There  are  services  prepared  and  available  for  this 
occasion. 


PEACE  DAY 
Christmas    is,   of  course,  a  "  Peace  on  Earth  "  Day 
always,  but  "  Peace  Day  "  refers  especially  to  a  time  and 


Patriotic  Days  141 

service  when  attention  is  called  to  the  great  Peace  Move- 
ments of  the  day  throughout  the  world. 

There  are  various  peace  organizations,  and  these 
organizations  will  supply  abundance  of  material  for  build- 
ing up  such  a  program.  Perhaps  it  would  be  well  to 
have  this  program  on  a  week-day  night,  as  it  appeals  to 
the  older  portions  of  the  school  more  than  to  the  children. 
There  is  great  need  these  days,  however,  of  teaching  our 
children  that  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ,  properly  lived, 
will  bring  peace  throughout  the  world,  and  that  they  are 
to  exemphfy  this  rehgion  of  peace. 


WASHINGTON'S  BIRTHDAY 
This  is  always  a  holiday  and  affords  a  good  opportu- 
nity for  a  patriotic  service. 

The  Sunday  nearest  to  the  twenty-second  of  February 
is  celebrated  in  thousands  of  Sunday  schools.  It  is 
really  a  "  Patriotic  Day,"  and  lends  itself  to  decorations 
with  the  patriotic  colors,  the  singing  of  patriotic  songs, 
and  the  playing  of  patriotic  music  by  the  orchestra  or 
organ.  Washington's  famous  quotation  about  the  proper 
training  of  the  young  is,  of  course,  always  appropriate : 
*•  The  perpetuity  of  this  nation  depends  upon  the  moral 
and  rehgious  training  of  the  young." 

Below  are  a  few  quotations  from  General  Washington 
which  may  be  used  to  advantage  in  programs  designed 
for  use  on  this  day : 

"  Speak  not  evil  of  the  absent,  it  is  unjust." 

**  It  is  better  to  be  alone  than  in  bad  company." 

"  Let  your  hand  give  in  proportion  to  your  purse." 

"  It  is  our  duty  to  make  the  best  of  our  misfortunes." 

"  True  religion  affords  government  its  surest  support." 


142         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

'<  A  good  moral  character  is  the  finest  essential  in  a 
man." 

"  I  hate  deception  even  where  the  imagination  only  is 
concerned." 

"  It  is  impossible  to  reason  without  arriving  at  a 
Supreme  Being." 

**  I  hope,  some  day,  we  shall  become  a  storehouse 
and  granary  for  the  world." 

"  The  company  in  which  you  will  improve  most  will 
be  least  expensive  to  you." 

"  It  is  a  maxim  with  me  not  to  ask  what,  under  similar 
circumstances,  I  would  not  grant." 

"  Labor  to  keep  alive  in  your  breast  that  little  spark 
of  celestial  fire  called  Conscience." 

"  Would  to  God  the  harmony  of  nations  were  an  ob- 
ject that  lay  nearest  to  the  hearts  of  sovereigns." 

*•  I  hold  the  maxim  no  less  applicable  to  public  than 
to  private  affairs,  that '  honesty  is  the  best  policy.'  " 

"  Avoid  gaming.  This  is  a  vice  which  is  productive 
of  every  possible  evil.  It  has  been  the  ruin  of  many  a 
worthy  family,  the  loss  of  many  a  man's  honor,  and  the 
cause  of  suicide.  Few  gain  by  this  abominable  practice, 
while  thousands  are  injured." 


LINCOLN'S  BIRTHDAY 

This  day  may  be  celebrated  on  the  twelfth  of  Feb- 
ruary by  having  an  evening  service,  or  it  may  be  observed 
on  the  Sunday  nearest  to  that  date.  It  is  really  a  Pa- 
triotic Day,  and  patriotic  hymns  should  be  sung.  Some 
Sunday  schools  build  a  program  about  the  sayings  of 
Lincoln,  which  may  be  found  in  great  number ;  his  Get- 
tysburg speech  is  often  given. 


Patriotic  Days  143 

LEE'S  BIRTHDAY 
This  day  is  celebrated  on  January  nineteenth,  or  the 
Sunday  nearest  to  it,  in  much  the  same  manner  as  the 
birthdays  of  Washington  and  Lincoln,  the  program,  of 
course,  being  built  around  the  hfe  and  sayings  of  Robert 
E.  Lee. 


X 

FOLK  AND  FRATERNAL  DAYS 

ALUMNI  DAY 

Some  churches  and  Sunday  schools  have  the  beautiful 
custom  of  organizing  their  Alumni,  which  means  simply 
the  banding  together  in  a  simple  organization  of  those 
who  have  formerly  belonged  to  the  church  or  Sunday 
school  and  now  belong  elsewhere.  Sometimes  they  have 
moved  to  other  cities,  but  in  large  cities  they  may  have 
moved  to  other  parts  of  the  city.  The  church  with 
which  the  author  is  connected  has  such  an  organization, 
and  the  Alumni  make  a  fine  contribution  to  the  Hfe  of 
the  church  in  various  ways. 

If  one  of  these  Alumni  members  were  formerly  superin- 
tendent of  the  school,  it  would  be  a  good  thing  to  have 
him  act  as  superintendent  on  Alumni  Day,  and  then  carry 
out  the  program  very  much  as  he  and  his  associates  would 
like  to  have  it  carried  out.  There  are  many  features  that 
could  be  put  in  such  a  program  to  advantage.  All  the 
members  of  the  Alumni  whose  presence  could  be  secured 
might  sit  in  a  body,  and  short  addresses  of  one  or  two 
minutes  each  might  be  made  by  several  of  them.  Nat- 
urally some  of  these  remarks  would  be  reminiscent  in 
character,  but  these  would  be  interesting  because  they 
would  be  news  to  those  who  have  come  in  later.  A 
pleasing  feature  would  be  the  reading  of  short  messages 
from  those  who  have  moved  away  and  from  others  who 

144 


Folk  and  Fraternal  Days  143' 

cannot  attend ;  especially  would  this  be  true  of  a  pastor. 
If  any  of  the  Alumni  have  engaged  in  Sunday-school 
work  elsewhere,  as  teachers,  superintendents,  or  pastors, 
that  would  be  a  good  thing  to  know.  A  suitable  resolu- 
tion could  be  sent  to  any  especially  prominent  member 
of  the  Alumni,  such  as  a  pastor  or  a  superintendent,  or 
to  sick  members.  "  Auld  Lang  Syne  "  could  be  sung, 
"  Home  Sweet  Home,"  and  other  appropriate  selections. 
It  would  be  well  to  have  a  printed  program  for  this  ses- 
sion, and  then  send  it  to  all  the  members  of  the  Alumni, 
wherever  they  may  be.  It  would  be  another  of  the  *•  ties 
that  bind,"  and  would  help  those  who  have  gone  away  to 
feel  that  they  are  not  forgotten. 

This  day  is  built  largely  around  a  sentiment,  but  it  is  a 
very  beautiful  sentiment. 


HOME  COMING  DAY 

This  is  similar  to  Alumni  Day,  but  instead  of  being 
held  on  any  convenient  day  and  being  confined  to  those 
who  were  former  members,  Home  Coming  Day  is  held 
in  the  fall  and  is  a  greeting  to  those  who  have  been  away 
on  their  vacations. 

The  advantage  of  Home  Coming  Day  is  rather  doubt- 
ful because  it  emphasizes  the  vacation,  perhaps,  too  much ; 
nevertheless,  a  very  interesting  program  can  be  built  up 
around  it. 


REUNION  DAY 
This  is  practically  the  same  as  Home  Coming  Day  or 
Alumni   Day.     Any  day  upon  which  those  who  have 
been   separated,  especially   for  a  long  time,  come   to- 


146        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

gether  to  enjoy  another  service  connected  with  the  Sun- 
day school,  may  properly  be  called  a  "  Reunion  Day." 


SWEET  MEMORY  DAY 

This  day  may  well  take  the  whole  opening  service,  if 
suitable  preparations  are  made  for  it  in  advance.  It  is 
expected  that,  in  not  more  than  a  moment  each,  officers, 
teachers,  or  scholars  shall  tell  some  sweet  memory  con- 
nected with  the  Sunday  school  or  with  somebody  who 
was  formerly  a  member.  It  might  refer  to  some  espe- 
cially attractive  service  that  had  been  held,  or  to  a  time 
when  a  large  number  of  scholars  had  been  received  into 
the  church. 


SHUT-INS'  DAY 

This  is  intended  to  be  a  happy  recognition  of  those 
who  cannot  attend  the  school.  There  are  comparatively 
few  who  would  not  be  able  to  attend  such  a  service  once 
in  a  while,  even  though  not  able  to  be  in  the  school  reg- 
ularly. Of  course,  some  will  have  to  be  brought  in  car- 
riages or  automobiles. 

Members  living  near  the  church  could  bring  large  easy 
chairs,  rocking-chairs,  sleepy-hollow  chairs,  etc.,  and 
place  them  in  the  space  about  the  pulpit  for  those  who 
would  be  uncomfortable  in  the  church  seats.  Some- 
times people  are  even  brought  on  couches  that  they  may 
enjoy  the  service. 

Some  very  sweet  and  comforting  things  should  be  said 
to  these  Shut-ins.  They  should  be  reminded  of  the 
splendid  service  shut-ins  can  render  by  their  prayers  and 


Folk  and  Fraternal  Days  147 

other  ministries,  a  service  which  they,  themselves,  might 
be  inclined  to  minimize. 

Those  who  are  unable  to  be  present  should  be  named, 
and  flowers  sent  to  them  with  a  message  of  love.  The 
presenting  all  who  are  present  with  a  bunch  of  flowers,  or 
even  with  one  flower,  would  be  greatly  appreciated. 


FAREWELL  SUNDAY 
This  affords  an  opportunity  for  the  school  to  say 
**  Farewell "  to  any  member  who  is  leaving — the  pastor 
going  to  another  field,  a  superintendent  or  teacher  mov- 
ing away,  or  some  of  the  young  people  going  off  to  col- 
lege. A  brief  service,  with  a  prayer,  would  be  helpful 
and  profitable. 


PASTOR'S  DAY 

The  relation  between  the  pastor  and  the  Sunday 
school  should  be  very  close — like  that  of  a  father  to  his 
family.  Of  course,  the  pastor  will  be  in  all  the  services 
of  the  Sunday  school,  and  deeply  interested  in  all  that  is 
going  on. 

Pastor's  Day  is  a  day  when  the  school  makes  formal 
recognition  of  their  church  pastor  as  the  pastor  of  the 
Sunday  school.  Suppose  one  member  from  each  depart- 
ment— Beginners',  Primary,  Junior,  Intermediate,  Senior, 
Adult,  and  Home  Department — should  take  a  few  min- 
utes each  to  speak  to  the  pastor,  in  the  presence  of  the 
whole  school,  on  the  general  theme  "  My  Pastor." 
These  little  talks  would,  of  course,  express  loyalty  and 
affection.  Those  for  the  little  children  would  have  to  be 
prepared,  but  from  the  Juniors  up  they  should  be  original. 


148        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

The  pastor  could  respond  in  a  few  words,  the  whole  serv- 
ice being  confined  to  the  opening  session  of  the  school 
and  not  taking  more  than  twenty  minutes.  Then,  the 
whole  school  might  sit  in  a  body  in  the  church  service 
that  day,  and  the  pastor  adapt  his  sermon  especially  to 
the  school. 

As  Pastor's  Day  is  adapted  to  any  time  of  the  year,  it 
may  properly  be  held  on  the  anniversary  of  his  assuming 
office.  This  kind  of  service  would  please  any  pastor,  and 
should  strengthen  the  cords  that  bind  church  and  school 
together. 


SUPERINTENDENT'S  DAY 
In     a    sense    every    day    is    Superintendent's    Day, 
especially  if  he  is  in  charge  of  the  school. 

There  are  several  ways  in  which  this  day  may  be  cele- 
brated. The  superintendent  may  be  the  guest  of  the 
day,  the  assistant  superintendent  carrying  on  the  school 
while  the  superintendent  sits  upon  the  platform.  Per- 
haps some  little  courtesy  can  be  shown  the  superintendent, 
such  as  the  presentation  of  flowers,  with  a  brief  talk  to 
the  school  by  the  pastor  about  the  superintendent  and 
his  work.  The  pastor  would  endeavor  to  cultivate  the 
spirit  of  loyalty  and  cooperation.  Possibly  all  of  the 
departments  of  the  school  could  come  together  and  have 
at  least  one  song,  with,  perhaps,  a  Httle  child  extending, 
in  a  recitation,  the  good  wishes  of  the  Sunday  school  to 
the  superintendent. 

Or  the  superintendent  may  prepare  the  program  him- 
self, and  use  this  day  as  a  time  to  make  an  address  to  the 
Sunday  school ;  this  would  be  entirely  out  of  place  dur- 
ing a  regular  session.     He  might,  however,  in  ten  or 


Folk  and  Fraternal  Days  149 

fifteen  minutes,  during  the  opening  service,  lay  before  the 
school  the  plans  that  he  has  for  their  future. 

Or  the  day  may  be  celebrated  by  the  superintendents 
of  all  the  departments  each  having  three  or  four  minutes 
to  lay  before  the  school  the  plans  of  their  various  depart- 
ments. 

The  real  purpose  of  the  day,  however,  is  to  lay  stress 
upon  the  office  of  the  Sunday-school  superintendent. 
Very  few  of  the  workers  in  any  school  know  all  of  the 
labor  and  time  required  to  do  the  work  of  a  superintend- 
ent well.  It  is  altogether  proper  at  least  once  a  year  to 
do  something  to  honor  him,  or  show  the  kindly  spirit  of 
the  school  and  their  desire  to  cooperate. 


TEACHERS'  DAY 

The  purpose  of  this  day  is  to  honor  the  teachers  of 
the  school,  and  let  the  school  know  who  the  teachers 
are. 

By  means  of  a  little  preliminary  work,  many  of  the 
scholars  would  bring  their  parents  on  Teachers'  Day,  be- 
cause their  teacher  is  to  be  introduced  to  the  whole 
school.  Possibly  some  adjustment  could  be  made 
whereby,  without  interfering  with  the  work  in  the  Ele- 
mentary Division,  the  entire  membership  of  the  school 
could  be  together  for  twenty  minutes.  This  ought  to  be 
long  enough  to  introduce  the  teachers  of  any  school  with 
an  attendance  of  less  than  five  hundred. 

The  secretary  could  call  the  roll  of  teachers  by  depart- 
ments. As  each  teacher  is  called,  he  could  stand  before 
the  school  and,  perhaps,  tell  in  just  a  word  how  many  he 
hcis  in  his  class,  how  long  he  has  taught  it,  or  any  other 


150         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

facts  of  interest.  Then  the  superintendent,  or  whoever 
is  introducing  the  teachers,  might  say  something  about 
the  teacher  that  would  interest  the  school ;  for  example, 
"  Miss  Smith  is  a  teacher  in  the  pubUc  school;  her  father 
and  mother  were  missionaries  in  India,  and  she  was  born 
there."  Then,  when  the  roll-call  is  over,  all  the  teachers 
could  stand  while  a  prayer  is  offered  thanking  God  for 
their  faithful  work. 

Many  in  the  school,  of  course,  know  all  of  the  teachers, 
but  new  scholars  are  continually  coming  in,  and  often  one 
department  does  not  know  who  the  teachers  are  in  the 
other  departments. 


CHRISTIAN  ENDEAVOR  DAY 

This  day  is  observed  on  the  anniversary  of  the  organ- 
ization of  the  Christian  Endeavor  Society — February  the 
second — or   on  the  Sunday  nearest  that  date. 

The  Christian  Endeavor  Society  might  be  asked  to  ar- 
range the  program  for  the  opening  service  of  the  school. 
The  Society,  all  of  whom  should  be  members  of  the  Sun- 
day school,  might  sit  in  a  body,  leaving  their  classes  for 
this  occasion,  and  their  president,  or  some  one  chosen  by 
them,  might  act  as  superintendent. 

One  of  the  Endeavorers  could  speak  for  five  minutes 
on  •*  How  the  Endeavor  Society  can  help  the  Sunday 
school,"  and  the  pastor  or  superintendent  take  a  few 
minutes  to  speak  about  "  How  the  Sunday  school  can 
help  the  Endeavor  Society."  Another  Endeavorer 
might  speak  on  "  How  the  Endeavor  Society  helps  me." 
The  president  of  the  society  could  perhaps  outline  their 
work  briefly,  naming  their  committees,  and  giving  a 
cordial  invitation  to  the  scholars   of  proper  age  to  be 


Folk  and  Fraternal  Days  151 

present  at  their  meeting  that  night  and  join  the  society. 
The  pastor  would  do  well  to  say  a  few  words  endeavor- 
ing to  bring  the  society  and  the  Sunday  school  into  the 
close  relation  to  each  other  which  they  ought  to  hold. 
Appropriate  music  could,  likewise,  be  selected.  Some 
of  the  International  Christian  Endeavor  officers  would 
undoubtedly,  if  properly  appHed  to,  be  wiUing  to  send  a 
message  to  be  read  on  such  an  occasion. 

What  is  said  here  concerning  Christian  Endeavor  Day 
applies  equally  to  Epworth  League  Day,  Baptist  Young 
People's  Union  Day,  etc.,  changing,  perhaps,  the  time  of 
year  to  suit  anniversary  occasions. 


EPWORTH  LEAGUE  DAY 
See  Christian  Endeavor  Day. 


BAPTIST  YOUNG  PEOPLE'S  UNION  DAY 
See  Christian  Endeavor  Day. 


YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIA- 
TION DAY 

Ask  the  secretary  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation to  take  ten  minutes  in  which  to  explain  the  work 
of  the  Association  and  how  it  relates  to  the  Sunday 
school.  Have  all  stand  who  are  members  of  the  Asso- 
ciation, just  to  see  how  many  are  connected  with  it. 
Follow  this  with  a  good  word  from  the  pastor,  or  super- 
intendent, suggesting  the  advantages  of  membership  in 
the  Association. 


1^2        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

YOUNG  WOMEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIA- 
TION DAY 
Young  Women's    Christian    Association    Day  is   ob- 
served in  the  same  manner  as  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association  Day,  except  that  it  is  held,  of  course,  in  the 
interests  of  the  young  women. 


WORLD'S  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  DAY 
This  day  affords  an  opportunity  to  refer  to  the  world- 
wide Sunday  school  work.  Abundant  information  for 
making  the  day  a  success  can  be  had  from  the  World's 
Association  Offices,  Mr.  Frank  L.  Brown,  Secretary,  218 
MetropoHtan  Tower,  New  York  City.  It  adds  zest  to 
the  Sunday-school  work  at  home  to  hear  of  the  great 
Sunday-school  enterprises  of  the  world. 


INTERNATIONAL  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  ASSOCIA- 
TION DAY 

(Organized  Sunday  School  Work  Day) 
"  The    International    Sunday  School   Association "    is 
the  term  used  to  represent  all  phases  of  Organized  Sun- 
day School  Work  in  North  America,  whether  township, 
county,  city,  state  or  provincial,  or  continent  wide. 

The  literature  of  the  International  Association  will 
give  abundance  of  valuable  material  and  facts  for  work- 
ing up  this  day.  A  half  dozen  people  who  have  at- 
tended Interdenominational  Sunday  School  Conventions 
could  be  called  upon  to  give  their  impressions  of  the 
benefit  of  such  gatherings.  This  would  create  a  good 
deal  of  interest  throughout  the  school.  This  day  should, 
of  course,  be  observed  only  in  the  older  departments. 


Folk  and  Fraternal  Days  153 

It  affords  a  fine  opportunity  to  take  an  offering  for  the 
local  Sunday-school  work,  usually  for  the  County  Organi- 
zation. Every  Sunday  school,  however,  should  be  asked 
to  make  an  offering  to  its  own  denominational  Sunday- 
school  work  before  making  an  offering  to  the  Interna- 
tional Sunday-school  work.  It  ought  to  make  an  offer- 
ing to  both. 

If  desired,  some  such  statement  as  the  following  might 
be  read  to  the  school  or  printed  in  a  way  that  it  could 
be  read  responsively ; 

There  is  a  business  firm  with  headquarters  in  Chicago,  which 
has  18,441,036  customers  listed  on  its  records. 

It  deals  in  a  commodity  the  value  of  which  is  never  questioned. 
Although  it  has  not  attempted  to  secure  a  monopoly  in  any  form, 
it  has  no  competitors  except  its  own  record  of  yesterday. 

This  firm  has  branch  offices  in  every  State  and  Province  of 
North  America,  including  Cuba,  the  West  Indies,  and  Hawaii. 

It  employs  200  paid  workers  on  full  time,  but  so  popular  is  the 
enterprise  that,  together  with  branch  offices,  it  commands  the  serv- 
ices of  200,000  others  throughout  the  continent  without  remuner- 
ation. 

Its  branch  offices,  in  turn,  deal  with  2,592  smaller  organizations, 
each  with  its  own  official  staff,  and  these  units  have  a  direct  com- 
munication with  the  public  through  175,685  retail  establishments 
with  a  corps  of  1,690,739  efficient  helpers. 

Under  the  auspices  of  this  firm  an  average  of  1,626  efficiency 
conventions  are  held  every  month  of  the  year  in  as  many  different 
sections  of  the  North  American  Continent. 

The  product  of  the  organization  is  so  choice,  and  it  is  needed 
so  much  in  foreign  as  well  as  domestic  fields,  that  its  manufacture, 
which  is  not  patented,  has  been  duplicated  in  the  uttermost  parts 
of  the  earth. 

What  is  this  great  organization,  and  what  is  its  product  ?  It  is 
the  International  Sunday  School  Association,  and  its  product  is 
Christian  Character, 


XI 

EDUCATIONAL  DAYS 

EDUCATION  DAY 

Every  church  should  have  a  Committee  on  Education* 
This  Committee  should  have  general  charge  of  all  the 
educational  matters  of  the  church,  whether  in  the  Sun- 
day school,  young  people's  society,  or  other  depart- 
ment. 

Education  Day  is  a  day  when  this  Committee  on  Edu- 
cation is  introduced  officially  to  the  Sunday  school,  and 
the  Superintendent  of  Education  of  the  school,  who 
should  be  a  member  of  this  Church  Committee,  informs 
the  school  as  to  what  is  going  on  in  regard  to  educational 
matters,  particularly  the  lessons  being  used.  This  officer 
can  tell  what  lessons  the  Beginners  are  using,  the  Pri- 
maries, Juniors,  etc.,  and  why  they  are  using  them. 
Then  the  Teacher  Training  Superintendent,  who  should 
be  responsible  also  to  this  Committee,  can  tell  about  the 
teacher-training  class,  its  present  size  and  advancement 
and  the  desirability  of  others  taking  the  training.  The 
pastor,  also,  can  take  a  few  minutes  to  tell  about  the 
educational  work  of  the  denomination  as  it  relates  to  the 
colleges  and  seminaries.  It  would  add  to  the  impressive- 
ness  to  give  the  names  of  those  members  who  are  away 
at  school  getting  an  education,  especially  if  they  are  fitting 
themselves  for  Christian  work.  A  few  words  about  the 
desirability  of  getting  just  as  much  education  as  possible 

^54 


Educational  Days  155 

would  be  appropriate.     It  is  stated  that  less  than  five  per 
cent,  of  the  men  of  the  United  States  have  a  college  edu- 
cation, but  that  more  than  seventy  per  cent,  of  the  re- 
sponsible positions  are  held  by  college  bred  men. 
This  could  be  made  a  very  interesting  day. 


COLLEGE  DAY 

The  Sunday  between  Christmas  and  New  Year's  Day 
is  being  observed  by  many  schools  as  "  College  Sunday." 
The  purpose  of  the  day  is  to  welcome  former  members 
who  are  attending  colleges  or  professional  schools,  and 
thus  keep  alive  their  interest  in  the  home  school  and  hold 
them  for  service  on  the  completion  of  their  courses. 

College  colors  and  banners  are  liberally  used  as  deco- 
rations, and  alumni  and  friends  of  the  different  colleges 
are  encouraged  to  wear  their  colors.  A  hst  of  those 
welcomed  should  be  printed  in  the  church  calendar  or 
on  the  Sunday-school  program  for  the  day  if  one  is 
printed,  or  read  from  the  desk. 

A  hearty  welcome  is  given  by  the  pastor  or  superin- 
tendent. There  is  appropriate  special  music,  and  a  short 
address  connecting  education  and  a  Hfe  of  Christian  serv- 
ice. If  there  is  a  college  in  the  town,  the  president  and 
as  many  of  the  faculty  as  can  be  secured  may  be  included 
among  the  guests  of  the  day.  Who  knows — •*  College 
Day  "  may  decide  some  young  man  or  woman  not  only 
to  take  a  college  course  but  to  put  his  or  her  life  under 
the  guidance  of  the  "  Master  Teacher." 

The  day  may  become  increasingly  interesting  as  the 
absent  students  cooperate  by  bringing  special  banners  or 
trophies,  telling  of  special  rehgious  work  being  done  in 
their  colleges,  etc. 


156        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

DAY-SCHOOL  DAY 
On  Day-School  Day  invite  the  principal  or  one  of  the 
teachers  from  the  day  school  attended  by  the  majority 
of  the  young  people,  and  have  him  say  a  few  words  to 
the  school  and  receive  a  welcome  from  the  school.  This 
will  help  to  tie  the  day  school  and  the  Sunday  school 
together. 


VOCATION  DAY 

Vocation  Day  is  designed  to  aid  the  young  people  in 
the  choice  of  their  hfe-work.  Much  attention  is  given 
to  vocational  education  in  our  public  schools,  and  its 
importance  is  coming  to  be  recognized  in  the  Sunday 
schools.  The  Presbyterian  Church  has  named  the  first 
Sunday  in  February  as  Vocation  Day  and  furnishes  spe- 
cial exercises  for  its  observance.  The  Methodist  Church 
of  the  South  has  also  given  this  day  a  place  in  its  pro- 
gram. With  these  churches,  however,  the  dominant  idea 
is  the  choice  of  Christian  work — really  an  Avocational 
Day, — whereas  Vocation  Day  should  properly  take  in 
the  whole  range  of  life  activity.  It  cannot  be  out  of 
place  for  any  church  to  do  what  it  can  to  aid  its  young 
people  in  the  choice  of  a  right  occupation,  whether  it  be 
along  the  line  of  their  daily  tasks  or  specific  Christian 
work. 

During  the  opening  service  of  Vocation  Day,  four 
persons,  each  an  expert  in  the  line  on  which  he  speaks, 
might  give  five-minute  talks  on  such  subjects  as  the  fol- 
lowing :  •*  The  opportunities  for  young  people  in  stenog- 
raphy, engineering,  electricity,  salesmanship."  At  an- 
other time,  talks  could  be  given  on  "  The  opportunities 
of  the    minister,   the   superintendent,   the   teacher,   the 


Educational  Days  i^y 

visitor."  The  church  has  done  all  too  little  along  the 
line  of  training  its  young  people  for  the  work  they  will 
be  called  upon  to  do  in  church  and  Sunday  school  and 
every  line  of  Christian  service. 


CITY  INSTITUTE  DAY 

(Community  Institute  Day — Community  Training  School 

Day) 

The  Community  Training  School  is  a  new  enterprise  for 
the  training  of  Sunday-school  leaders.  The  popularizing 
of  this  Community  School  and  the  securing  of  students 
from  the  local  school  is  the  purpose  of  spending  the  open- 
ing service  or  a  portion  of  it,  regularly,  before  the  be- 
ginning of  each  term  of  the  Community  School,  in 
presenting  the  benefits  of  membership,  and  urging  those 
who  expect  to  fit  themselves  for  Christian  work  to  become 
members  and  take  the  courses  of  study.  Leaflets  should, 
of  course,  be  distributed  advertising  the  Community  Train- 
ing School  which  is  about  to  open. 


TEACHER  TRAINING  DAY 
Every  Sunday  school  should  have  at  least  one  Teacher 
Training  Class.     Ordinarily,  this  class  will  meet  during 
the  Sunday-school  hour. 

The  purpose  of  Teacher  Training  Day  is  to  impress 
upon  the  young  people  of  the  Sunday  school  the  neces- 
sity and  desirability  of  fitting  themselves  for  Christian 
work.  The  Teacher  Training  superintendent  may  pre- 
sent to  the  school,  in  a  few  minutes,  an  outline  of  the 
work  they  are  seeking  to  do,  possibly  giving  extracts 


158        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

from  a  sample  lesson,  the  members  of  the  class  giving 
the  answers.  Perhaps  one  member  of  the  class,  by  use 
of  a  map,  could  give,  in  five  minutes,  the  outline  of  a 
lesson  in  geography ;  another  an  extract  from  a  lesson 
on  some  great  book  of  the  Bible,  and  still  another  on 
Sunday-school  history  and  management.  The  pastor, 
or  superintendent,  could  speak  of  the  necessity  of  train- 
ing if  we  are  to  do  the  best  work  in  the  Master's  service. 
Diplomas  might  be  presented  to  graduates,  if  a  class  has 
just  completed  the  course. 

Quite  a  few  schools  are  setting  a  time,  a  year  or  two 
in  advance,  after  which  date  nobody  will  be  appointed  as 
a  teacher  who  has  not  earned  a  Teacher  Training  Di- 
ploma or  its  equivalent.  Anything  that  can  be  done  on 
Teacher  Training  Day  to  impress  the  importance  of  train- 
ing for  service  is  an  effort  well  put  forth. 


CONVENTION  SUNDAY 

{Echo  Sunday) 

Every  Sunday  school  should  send  delegates  to  every 
Sunday-school  convention  within  its  reach,  whether  it 
be  denominational  or  interdenominational.  No  school 
can  afford  to  neglect  this  opportunity  to  help  itself  and 
the  great  work  it  represents. 

There  are  delegates  and  there  are  delegates!  All 
delegates,  of  course,  should  be  expected  to  make  some 
report  after  the  convention  is  over.  Some  of  these  re- 
ports will  be  along  technical  lines  and  should  be  made  at 
the  Workers*  Meeting,  but  it  is  a  good  thing  to  have 
some  delegates  specially  commissioned  to  gather  all  they 
can  out  of  the  convention  to  pass  on  to  the  school  as  a 
whole.     Suppose  three  delegates  are  appointed  for  this 


Educational  Days  159 

purpose,  each  to  give  five  minutes  during  the  opening 
service  on  Convention  Sunday,  which  will  be  the  Sun- 
day following  the  convention.  They  would  speak  on 
different  phases  of  the  subject,  such  as  proper  reverence 
in  the  church,  good  singing,  punctuahty,  home  study  of 
the  lesson,  or  anything  of  that  sort  that  would  have  a 
bearing  on  the  work  of  the  whole  school.  The  superin- 
tendent could  take  a  few  minutes  telling  the  purpose  of 
conventions,  and  describing  the  organization,  whether 
denominational  or  otherwise,  under  whose  auspices  the 
convention  was  held.  All  such  things  help  in  the  work 
of  a  school. 


BIBLE  DAY 

The  second  Sunday  in  December  has  been  suggested 
as  Bible  Day.  Make  a  special  effort  on  this  Sunday  to 
have  everybody  bring  his  Bible,  though  it  ought  to  be 
brought  every  Sunday  by  all  who  are  old  enough  to  use 
it. 

Have  a  show  of  Bibles,  everybody  standing  and  hold- 
ing his  Bible  above  his  head.  The  real  Statue  of  Liberty 
Enlightening  the  World  is  a  man  or  woman,  boy  or  girl 
holding  up  the  Lamp  of  Life. 

There  are  many  appropriate  Bible  Songs,  and  they, 
of  course,  should  be  used. 

It  would  be  interesting  to  have  a  few  words  from  the 
pastor  or  superintendent  about  the  Bible,  stating,  per- 
haps, that  it  is  printed  in  whole  or  in  part  in  over  five 
hundred  languages.  The  American  Bible  Society  issue 
slips  containing  John  iii.  16  printed  in  a  large  number  of 
languages.  Perhaps  some  of  these  could  be  secured, 
and  presented  to  the  scholars. 


l6o        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

It  would  be  a  good  thing  to  repeat  a  number  of  the 
choice  Bible  verses,  and  the  school  could  read  respon- 
sively  or  in  unison  various  appropriate  selections. 


BOOK  DAY 

Book  Day  is  used  in  many  places  for  the  purpose  of 
securing  books  for  the  Sunday-school  library.  In  order 
that  suitable  books  may  be  secured,  printed  or  mimeo- 
graphed lists  of  the  books  desired  should  be  handed  out 
prior  to  Book  Day,  to  those  likely  to  use  them.  As  a 
rule  it  is  better  to  contribute  money  than  books. 


EXHIBIT  DAY 

We  learn  to  do  by  doing.  The  use  of  the  hands  has 
come  to  be  recognized  throughout  the  entire  Sunday- 
school  field  as  a  valuable  help  in  teaching.  "  Handwork 
in  the  Sunday  School"  is  a  very  common  expression 
these  days,  and  these  very  words  constitute  the  title  of  an 
excellent  book  on  this  subject  by  Milton  S.  Littlefield. 

On  Exhibit  Day  a  systematic  effort  is  made  to  show 
what  is  being  done  in  the  Sunday  school.  Various  kinds 
of  handwork  are  being  used,  especially  in  the  Elementary 
Division,  which  even  the  parents  of  the  children  may 
know  nothing  of;  such  as  pasting  pictures  in  the  lesson 
book,  writing  up  the  lesson,  cutting  out  pictures  for  va- 
rious purposes,  drawing  maps  and  charts,  making  and 
using  models,  blackboard  work,  sand-table  work  in  teach- 
ing Biblical  geography,  plasticene  work,  etc.  All  of  the 
material  should  be  properly  arranged  so  that  it  can  be 
easily  looked  over. 


Educational  Days  l6l 

Exhibit  Day  is  not  intended  for  the  Sunday-school 
hour,  but  for  some  afternoon,  after  school  perhaps,  when 
the  parents  and  friends  of  the  children  may  be  invited, 
and,  indeed,  all  the  members  of  the  school,  for  the  older 
departments  know  little  of  what  the  younger  departments 
are  doing.  Some  of  the  Elementary  workers  should  be 
present  to  explain  all  that  is  presented,  and  it  would  be 
well  to  have  some  of  the  children  actually  at  work. 

Interest  may  be  created  by  the  awarding  of  honors  for 
the  best  handwork  presented  in  the  exhibit.  One  school 
announces  their  exhibit  and  awards  in  the  following 
manner : 

•♦  An  Exhibit  of  work  by  the  members  of  the 
school  may  be  seen  in  the  Basement.  Awards 
have  been  given  in  each  Department — First 
Award,  Blue  Ribbons  with  Gold  Seals ;  Sec- 
ond Award,  Red  Ribbons  with  Silver  Stars." 

The  officers  might  also  display  the  printed  matter, 
charts,  banners,  and  all  the  property  of  the  school. 

It  is  very  profitable  to  hold  an  Exhibit  Day.  It  tends 
to  increase  interest  throughout  the  school. 


EQUIPMENT  DAY 

Such  a  day  should  never  be  required ;  nevertheless,  it 
affords  an  opportunity  of  acquainting  the  older  members 
of  the  school  with  what  equipment  is  really  needed. 

Suppose,  for  example,  a  Primary  scholar  should  be 
placed  upon  the  platform,  in  a  big  chair,  with  his  feet 
six  or  eight  inches  from  the  floor.  By  the  side  of  that 
chair  have  a  smaller  one,  perhaps  borrowed,  that  would 
enable  the  scholar  to  sit  with  his  feet  squarely  on  the 


l62        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

floor.  Have  him,  as  he  sits  on  the  big  chair  dangling  his 
legs,  tell  the  school  that  this  is  the  way  the  children  have 
to  sit  in  the  Primary  Department,  and  that  it  makes  them 
so  tired  they  cannot  listen  as  they  should.  Then  have 
him  change  his  seat  for  the  httle  chair,  and,  as  he  folds 
his  arms  with  an  expression  of  comfort,  tell  that  this  is 
what  they  ought  to  have.  It  would  very  likely  incite 
some  one  to  provide  suitable  chairs  for  the  Primary 
Department. 

Suppose  the  Junior  Department  should  place  on  the 
platform  a  dilapidated  old  blackboard,  upon  which  a 
scholar,  at  the  request  of  the  superintendent,  should  put 
some  writing,  perhaps  the  Golden  Text.  As  he  writes, 
he  might  intimate  that  if  he  had  a  good  blackboard  the 
writing  would  be  more  legible. 

These  are  only  suggestions  of  the  possibilities  of  Equip- 
ment Day,  the  idea  being  to  let  the  main  school  know 
what  is  really  needed  in  the  various  departments. 


HONOR  DAY 

This  service  may  occupy  a  few  minutes  of  the  opening 
exercises  some  Sunday  just  before  the  end  of  the  school 
year.  Have  half  a  dozen  or  more  of  the  boys  and  girls 
tell  briefly,  in  their  own  words,  their  estimate  of  the 
Honors  conferred  by  the  school,  and  why  they  work  to 
secure  them ;  the  object  being  to  incite  others  to  work 
for  these  Honors  during  the  year  soon  to  begin. 

The  superintendent  should  use  this  opportunity  to  ex- 
plain what  is  required  to  earn  the  Honors  of  the  school. 
Of  course,  it  includes  faithfulness  in  attendance,  regular 
offerings,  lesson  preparation,  and  other  desirable  features. 

As  a  means  of  maintaining  throughout  the  year  the 


Educational  Days  16-:^ 

interest  of  all  in  the  Sunday  school,  a  "  Loving  Cup  "  has 
been  introduced  in  the  school  with  which  the  writer  is 
connected.  It  is  presented  at  the  end  of  each  quarter  to 
the  department  making  the  best  record  in  efficiency 
during  the  preceding  quarter.  The  cup  is  presented  be- 
fore the  entire  school,  which  is  assembled  for  the  purpose. 
The  pastor,  with  the  cup  in  his  hand,  gives  a  message 
of  encouragement,  then  drinks  from  the  cup  and  hands 
it  to  the  superintendent.  The  superintendent  explains 
again  to  the  school  the  conditions  upon  which  the  cup 
is  given,  then  drinks  from  the  cup  and  hands  it  to  the 
superintendent  of  the  department  that  has  won  it,  the 
entire  department  being  gathered  around  the  platform  to 
receive  it.  The  superintendent  of  the  department,  after 
drinking  from  the  cup,  recognizes  the  gift  with  appro- 
priate words. 

The  purpose  of  the  day  is  to  develop  school  efficiency. 
See  also  Anniversary  Day. 


INSPECTION  DAY 
On  Inspection  Day  the  officers  of  the  church,  whether 
members  of  the  Sunday  school  or  not  (of  course,  if  they 
are  the  right  kind  of  officials  they  will  be  members  of  the 
Sunday  school),  could  officially  visit  the  school.  They 
should  be  received  as  the  guests  of  the  day,  and  allowed 
to  make  such  inspection  as  they  desire.  They  would 
report  the  results  of  their  inspection  at  a  regular  business 
meeting  of  the  church  ;  or,  they  might  take  part  of  the 
service  on  Sunday  morning  or  Sunday  night  to  tell  about 
what  they  saw  in  the  Sunday  school.  Such  a  report 
would  help  to  interest  the  church  in  the  Sunday  school. 


164        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

INVENTORY  DAY 

This  is  an  occasion  of  stock-taking,  or  of  letting  the 
whole  school  know  just  where  it  stands  in  regard  to 
membership,  offerings,  benevolences,  etc. 

Some  officer  from  each  department  can  read  the  re- 
port of  the  enrollment  of  that  department,  giving,  first, 
the  enrollment  of  the  year  before,  then  the  present  en- 
rollment, showing  the  growth  or  decline ;  the  treasurer 
of  the  department  can  indicate  the  amount  of  money 
given;  and  the  proper  officer  can  tell  how  much  has 
been  spent  for  benevolences,  and  what  those  benevolences 
were. 

The  general  secretary  can  then  summarize  these  reports 
so  far  as  the  enrollment  and  the  attendance  are  concerned ; 
the  general  treasurer  can  give  a  comprehensive  record 
of  the  money;  and  the  benevolences  can  also  be  re= 
ported. 

It  would  be  well  to  report  how  many  names  are  on 
the  hst  of  total  abstainers,  how  many  on  the  birthday 
list,  and  how  many  in  each  department  of  the  school  are 
members  of  the  church.  Any  figures  of  this  kind  that 
have  to  do  with  the  school  or  any  department  of  it  would 
be  interesting  at  such  a  time. 


STANDARD  DAY 
All  schools  now  that  really  have  a  mind  to  work  are 
aiming  at  a  definite  standard.  Most  denominations  have 
printed  standard  charts  outlining  the  points  their  school 
should  attain,  and  there  is  also  the  International  affiHation 
standard,  which  adds  several  points  to  the  denomina- 
tional standard.     The  denominational  standards  are  made 


Educational  Days  165 

up  usually  of  from  ten  to  fifteen  points,  each  representing 
some  activity  the  school  should  be  engaging  in,  such  as 
the  maintaining  of  a  Cradle  Roll,  Home  Department, 
Teacher  Training  Class,  Organized  Classes,  Temperance 
Pledge  Signing,  Missionary  Training  Class,  contributions 
to  the  denominational  work,  etc.  If  the  affihation  points 
are  added,  there  will  be,  also,  contributions  to  the  in- 
terdenominational Sunday-school  work,  and  the  sending 
of  reports  and  delegates  to  the  local  Sunday-school  con- 
ventions. 

Standard  Day  in  the  Sunday  school  means  simply  the 
placing  of  one  of  these  printed  standards  in  each  depart- 
ment of  the  school  and,  during  the  opening  service,  ex- 
plaining the  standard,  showing  the  points  that  have  been 
reached  and  urging  the  school  to  undertake  to  reach  all 
the  other  points  as  rapidly  as  possible.  It  is  well  to  be 
definite  and  name  one  thing ;  for  example,  if  there  is  no 
Home  Department,  set  the  whole  school  working  up  a 
Home  Department — explain  what  it  means,  select  your 
superintendent,  and  go  right  at  it.  When  that  is  accom- 
plished, take  up  another  one  of  the  points  on  the  standard, 
and  push  that  to  completion.  It  is  well  to  keep  the 
school  continually  at  work  to  attain  something  beyond 
that  which  has  been  already  attained. 


PROMOTION  DAY 
Promotion  and  Graduation.  The  Sunday  school  is 
a  school,  and  any  school  that  does  any  sort  of  credit- 
able work  should  be  a  graded  school.  In  all  graded 
schools  there  comes  a  time  when  the  scholars,  espe- 
cially the  children,  cease  to  belong  in  the  grades  where 


i66        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

they  are,  and  rightly  belong  in  other  grades.  Then 
comes  promotion.  Without  regular  promotions  grading 
cannot  be  maintained. 

Promotion,  in  the  Sunday  school,  refers  to  a  scholar 
passing  from  one  grade  to  another  in  a  given  depart- 
ment. Graduation  refers  to  a  scholar  passing  from  one 
department  to  another.  A  pupil  is  promoted  from  the 
first  year  to  the  second  year  of  the  Primary  Department ; 
he  is  graduated  from  the  Primary  Department  to  the 
Junior  Department. 

Time.  Promotion  Day  should  be  observed  once  a 
year.  There  are  occasions  when  it  may  be  observed 
twice  a  year  with  good  results,  but  once  is  usually  suf- 
ficient. On  many  accounts  the  last  Sunday  in  Sep- 
tember is  the  best  day ;  it  is  review  day  in  the  uniform 
lessons,  and  fits  into  a  suitable  break  in  the  graded  les- 
sons. 

Department  Exercises.  It  is  well  for  each  depart- 
ment, having  their  own  room  and  suitable  conveniences, 
to  have  their  graduating  exercises  by  themselves;  for 
example,  the  Beginners',  the  Primary,  and  the  Junior 
Departments  would  each  have  their  own  Promotion 
Exercises  in  their  own  room  ;  then,  at  the  close  of  these, 
the  class  graduating  from  the  Beginners'  Department 
would  be  welcomed,  with  suitable  exercises,  into  the 
Primary  Department ;  the  class  graduating  from  the 
Primary  Department  into  the  Junior  Department ;  and, 
in  like  manner,  the  class  graduating  from  the  Junior 
Department  into  the  Intermediate  Department.  In  the 
Secondary  Division,  the  Promotion  Exercises  can  take 
on  a  different  character,  and  there  may  be  the  reading 
of  papers,  short  talks,  etc.,  by  some  of  the  scholars. 

An  appropriate  feature  of  the  Promotion    Exercises 


Educational  Days  167 

is  the  repetition  by  the  scholars  of  some  of  the  memory 
work  that  has  been  required.  Written  examinations  are 
required  in  many  schools  in  the  Junior,  Intermediate, 
and  Senior  Departments.  These,  of  course,  are  held  be- 
fore the  promotion  takes  place. 

The  following  account  of  how  the  First  Methodist 
Sunday  School  of  Fargo,  North  Dakota,  conduct  their 
Junior  Department  Promotion  Service,  is  furnished  by 
Mrs.  Ella  M.  Snow,  Elementary  Superintendent  of  that 
State : 

PROMOTION  REQUIREMENTS 

First  Year 
First   Quarter  .•    First  Psalm ;   Luke  ii.  8-20 ;  Hymn,  **  Nearer, 

My  God,  to  Thee." 
Second   Quarter:    Psalm  cxxi. ;   "Boys'  Hymn  "  (Lesson    17); 

John  XX.  1 1 -1 3. 
Third   Quarter ;   Rainbow  Bookmark ;  Library  Drill ;  The  Ten 

Commandments ;    Hymn,    **  Guide    Me,    Oh,  Thou    Great 

Jehovah." 
Fourth    Quarter :   Psalm    cvii.  ;    Honor    Work,    "  Consider   the 

Lilies." 

Second  Year 

First  Quarter  ;  Special  questions  in  note-book  ;  Map  work  ;  Story 
of  Martin  Luther;  Hymn,  '*  A  Mighty  Fortress ;  "  "  Mag- 
nificat "  (Luke  i.  46-54). 

Second  Quarter  :  Special  questions  in  note-book  ;  Hymn,  *'  There 
Is  a  Green  Hill;"  Hymn,  "All  Hail  the  Power ;  "  Beati- 
tudes (Matt.  V.  3-12). 

Third  Quarter  :  Hymn,  "  The  Son  of  God  Goes  Forth  to  War  ;  " 
Book  of  Missionary  Stories  (Carey,  Morrison,  Judson,  Lee  and 
Whitman). 

Fourth  Quarter :  Book  of  Missionary  Stories,  continued  (Evans, 
Livingstone,  Paton)  ;  Honor  Work,  "  From  Greenland's  Icy 
Mountains  ;  "  Hymn,  "  How  Firm  a  Foundation." 


l68         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Third  Year 

First  Quarter  :  Poem,  "  My  Desires  ;  "  Hymn,  "  While  Shep- 
herds Watched;  "  Ecclesiastes  xii.  1-7. 

Second  Quarter  :  "  Your  Niche  "  (Boys'  part.  Girls'  part)  ;  Draw- 
ing of  ground  plan  of  Temple  ;  Story  of  Moabite  Stone. 

Third  Quarter:  Psalm  cxxxvii.  1-4;  Collect  Temperance  items 
and  facts  ;  Collect  Temperance  pictures  (put  into  scrap-book)  ; 
Temperance  song. 

Fourth  Quarter:  Psalm  xcv.  1-7;  Hymn,  "Faith  of  Our 
Fathers."  (Let  each  pupil  choose  from  the  appended  list  on 
p.  303  of  Teachers'  Text  Book,  fourth  quarter,  third  year,  one 
of  the  seventeen  topics  for  a  written  story.) 

Fourth  Year 
First    Quarter :    Honor    Work,    "  Jesus    Saviour,    Pilot    Me ; " 

Doxology. 
Second   Quarter :    Apostles'  Creed ;    Hymn,  "  Break    Thou    the 

Bread  of  Life  ;  "  Decision  for  Christ ;  Story  of  Life  of  Christ. 
Third    Quarter:    Psalm   xcvi.    i-io;    Honor  Work,  "  Sow  the 

Seed  Beside  All  Waters ;  "   Missionary  Hymn. 
Fourth   Quarter :    Hymn,  "  Oh,   Day   of  Rest  and   Gladness ;  " 

Honor  Work,  Missionary  Book ;  Honor  Work,  Story  of  Our 

Bible ;  Our  Bible  and  Its  Use  (Drill). 

"  The  Junior  note-books  have  an  important  place  in 
the  instruction  of  the  boys  and  girls.  Therefore,  the 
Educational  Director,  Assistant  Educational  Director, 
and  Teacher-Training  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday 
school  are  appointed  to  examine  the  Junior  books  at 
the  end  of  each  quarter  for  neatness  and  accuracy,  tak- 
ing into  consideration  the  child  and  his  home.  If  the 
book  will  pass  under  these  rules  a  grade  of  90  per  cent, 
or  above,  a  blue  star  is  attached ;  if  between  70  and  90, 
a  red  star  is  attached.  The  items  for  memory  work  for 
each  quarter  are  typewritten  and  pasted  in  the  front  of 
the  pupil's  book.     As  the  points  are  memorized,  a  gold 


Educational  Days  169 

star  is  affixed.  At  the  end  of  the  year  the  books  are 
assembled  with  the  honor  work  and  the  memory  work, 
and  the  pupils  are  graded  according  to  the  work  done. 
Those  who  have  done  the  book  work  and  kept  up  their 
attendance  are  given  a  certificate  of  promotion,  and  if 
all  the  memory  work  has  been  done,  a  gold  seal  is  at- 
tached to  the  certificate.  Blue  and  red  seals  are  attached 
for  other  percentages  of  memory  work  done.  The  pupil 
is  also  given  recognition  by  blue  ribbons  with  a  gold 
seal  for  a  grade  above  90  per  cent.,  and  a  red  ribbon 
with  a  gold  seal  for  work  between  70  and  90  per  cent. 

"  The  parents  of  the  boys  and  girls  are  given  written 
invitations  to  attend  the  promotion  service,  which  is  held 
in  the  auditorium  of  the  church.  At  this  time  each  grade 
is  expected  to  appear  on  the  program  with  some  of  the 
required  work  memorized.  After  the  program  and  the 
giving  of  the  certificates  the  pupils  and  parents  adjourn 
to  the  basement  of  the  church,  where,  in  the  various 
rooms,  is  put  on  exhibition  the  work  done  and  the 
grades  affixed.  This  excites  great  interest,  and  is  a 
stimulus  to  the  boys  and  girls  as  well  as  to  the  parents 
to  do  the  work  well." 

Promotion  Cards  and  Diplomas.  Suitable  cards  of 
promotion  should  be  given  to  all  who  pass  from  one 
grade  to  another,  and  a  certificate  or  diploma  to  all  who 
graduate  from  one  department  to  another.  In  many 
schools  it  is  customary  to  present  Bibles  to  those  who 
pass  from  the  Primary  into  the  Junior  Department.  The 
presentation  of  Bibles  ajid  diplomas  and  any  other  re- 
wards should  be  made  in  a  dignified  way  and  with  con- 
siderable ceremony. 

The  School  Together.  The  Promotion  Service  in 
very  many  schools  is  held  with  all  the  departments  to- 


ijo        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

gather,  and  this  has  a  good  effect  upon  the  school,  par- 
ticularly the  Adult  Division  and  the  visiting  parents  and 
church  members.  A  fine  opportunity  is  afforded  to  hold 
up  the  standards  of  the  denomination  so  that  all  may 
know  exactly  what  is  being  undertaken.  A  definite 
program  may  be  announced  for  the  coming  year. 

Printed  Program.  It  is  well  to  have  a  printed  program 
giving,  not  only  the  order  of  service  for  the  day,  but  the 
names  of  all  the  scholars  who  are  passed  from  one  grade 
to  another  and  from  one  department  to  another.  It 
would  give  the  visitors  a  better  idea  of  what  is  being 
done  in  the  school  if  an  outHne  of  the  work  required  was 
also  recorded  in  this  program.  The  Bedford  Avenue 
Presbyterian  Sunday  School,  Brooklyn,  of  which  Mr. 
Delavan  L.  Pierson  is  superintendent,  has  prepared  some 
very  fine  programs.  The  supply  houses  provide  regular 
Promotion  Exercises  for  the  Primary  and  Junior  Depart- 
ments, many  of  them  choice. 

Promotion  and  Rally  Day  Combined.  Promotion 
Day  and  Rally  Day  are  often  combined  with  good  effect, 
though  where  Promotion  Day  is  given  the  dignity  it 
ought  to  have,  it  can  easily  stand  alone  and  be  made  into 
an  altogether  worthy  service. 

Evening  Service.  Some  schools  have  their  promo- 
tion services  in  the  evening  of  a  week  day,  having  all 
present  except  the  Cradle  Roll.  More  time  is  thus 
secured  for  the  service,  and  it  can  be  given  more  emphasis 
than  when  held  at  the  regular  Sunday-school  hour. 
Light  refreshments  are  often  served  after  the  service. 

Teacher- Training  Diplomas  for  the  satisfactory  com- 
pletion of  a  Teacher-Training  Course  are  often  presented 
also  on  Promotion  Day,  thus  putting  scholars  and  teachers 
on  the  same  basis  and  recognizing  their  work. 


XII 

MISSIONARY  DAYS 

MISSIONARY  DAY 

"  The  Mission  of  the  Church  is  Missions."  The  very 
heart  of  all  Christian  activity  is  missionary.  A  school 
that  is  fully  alive  to  missions  cannot  be  dead  to  anything 
else,  for  it  has  the  root  of  the  matter  in  it.  The  reason 
is  plain.  Christ's  last  command  was  to  go  into  all  the 
world  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature,  and  the 
church  which  is  conscientiously  trying  to  do  this  is  as- 
sured of  the  Master's  blessing. 

Committee  or  Superintendent.  Of  course  there 
should  be  in  every  Sunday  school  a  Missionary  Com- 
mittee and,  certainly,  a  missionary  superintendent  or 
secretary.  This  committee,  or  officer,  should  be  planning 
continually  for  the  missionary  days,  and  should  do  all 
that  can  be  done  to  secure  missionary  teaching  on  other 
days  wherever  possible.  What  is  Christmas  but  a  mis- 
sionary day  ?  What  is  Easter  but  a  missionary  day  ? 
They  celebrate  the  birth  and  the  resurrection  of  the 
Divine  Missionary.  This  does  not  mean  that  the 
missionary  note  should  obscure  the  thought  of  Christ's 
birth  or  resurrection,  but  it  is  entirely  in  keeping 
with  it. 

The  Day.  Missionary  Day  may  be  made  one  of  the 
richest  occasions  of  the  year,  and,  indeed,  missions  ought 
to  be  emphasized  very  often.     Many  schools,  and  many 

171 


172         special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

denominations,  set  apart  one  Sunday  each  month  as  a 
Missionary  Sunday,  when  there  is  special  missionary  in- 
struction by  means  of  a  printed  service,  and  special  effort 
to  gather  funds  for  some  particular  branch  of  their  mis- 
sionary work.  Many  special  exercises  are  prepared  by 
the  Sunday-school  supply  houses,  denominational  and 
otherwise,  so  that  there  is  no  lack  there.  Missionary 
charts  may  be  had  in  abundance  and  also  missionary 
curios.  It  is  well  for  each  Missionary  Day  to  emphasize 
a  given  thought,  or  be  centered  about  a  given  locality, 
enterprise,  or  person.  On  this  account,  it  is  well  to  have 
a  missionary  map,  especially  locating  the  missions  of  the 
denomination.  It  is  desirable  also  to  center  a  service  oc- 
casionally about  a  person  or  a  field,  e,  g.,  have  a  Judson 
Day,  a  Livingstone  Day,  a  China  Day,  an  Africa  Day, 
and  so  on.  Of  course,  the  selections  will  be  made  along 
the  line  of  denominational  interest.  It  would  be  espe- 
cially appropriate  to  observe  the  day  of  the  martyrdom 
of  any  great  missionary  leader  connected  with  the 
church. 

If  one  of  your  own  missionaries  happens  to  be  acces- 
sible, a  little  missionary  talk  would  be  appropriate,  or  a 
talk  by  your  pastor,  superintendent,  or  missionary  super- 
intendent.    This,  however,  should  be  very  short. 

Mrs.  W.  H.  Dietz,  of  Chicago,  has  prepared  a  mission- 
ary program  for  children,  entitled  "  Children  of  Many 
Lands,"  which  has  rendered  choice  service.  The  chil- 
dren are  dressed  in  the  costume  of  the  various  lands 
which  they  represent,  and  there  are  appropriate  songs 
and  recitations. 

A  feature  of  an  attractive  missionary  service  given  in 
St.  John's  Lutheran  Church,  Evansville,  Indiana,  was  a 
recitation  by  a  little  girl,  as  follows : 


Missionary  Days  173 

KAMALABAI 

Note  : — Dressed  in  the  robes  of  a  Hindu  woman,  the  girl  steps 
forward  and,  while  declaiming,  points  to  the  various  parts  of 
dress  mentioned.  She  carries  the  wooden  shoes  in  her  hand,  as 
also  any  other  objects  needed. 

"  Dear  Friends :  My  name  is  Ka-ma-la-bai,  which  means 
'  Waterlily  Bud.'  I  come  from  Sakti,  one  of  our  Mission  Stations 
in  India.  The  missionary  thought  you  would  like  to  see  how  we 
dress. 

"  This  dress  is  just  one  long  piece  of  goods,  wound  around  and 
fastened  without  belt  or  buckle.  Under  it  is  a  little  coaty  which 
we  slip  over  our  heads  and  button  at  the  throat.  This  heavy  ring  has 
been  around  my  neck  ever  since  I  was  very  small,  also  this  chain^ 
with  its  beads  of  nuts  and  this  piece  of  human  bone.  My  mother 
hung  it  there  to  keep  away  the  bad  spells  of  evil  women. 

"  On  my  arms  are  all  sorts  of  bracelets.  The  richer  our  fathers, 
the  more  bracelets  we  girls  wear.  On  our  feet  we  wear  these 
heavy  anklets.  You  can  imagine  what  a  noise  we  make  when  we 
walk.  Here  are  my  wooden  shoes,  with  just  one  pin  to  hold  them 
to  my  feet.  I  did  not  wear  them  to-day,  because  I  wanted  you  to 
see  them  better. 

'*  On  my  cheeks  is  red  paint  to  make  me  handsome.  On  my 
forehead  is  a  little  star,  because  I  am  engaged.  I  am  twelve 
years  old  and  will  be  married  soon.  On  my  wedding  day  I  will 
wear  this  fine  headpiece.  I  have  never  seen  the  man  I  am  to 
marry,  but  my  mother  says  I  must  marry  him  or  be  cast  out  of  her 
house.  He  must  be  good,  because  he  sent  me  this  fine  necklace. 
When  I  marry  I  will  leave  home  and  never  return.  Isn't  that  aw- 
fbl? 

"  On  my  hands  is  red  stain,  for  this  is  a  holiday  and  I  must  go 
to  worship  my  idol.  That's  all  I  can  do.  I  can't  talk  to  any- 
body, and  when  I  am  married  I  must  stay  at  home  and  not  even  go 
out  unless  my  husband  wants  me  to.  I'll  have  to  do  all  the  w^ork 
and  sleep  in  one  corner  of  our  hut  or  house.  Don't  you  feel  sorry 
for  me,  and  all  the  women  of  India  ?  I  wish  some  one  would 
come  to  help  us  I  " 


174        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Offerings.  Of  course  it  is  desirable  to  take  missionary 
offerings.  The  best  way  to  do  this  is  to  train  the  chil- 
dren to  give  regularly  to  missions.  There  are  missionary 
boxes,  duplex  envelopes,  and  other  devices  which  con- 
template the  raising  of  money  during  a  given  length  of 
time  and  returning  it  upon  a  Missionary  Day.  The  re- 
ceiving of  these  offerings  and  giving  credit  to  the  indi- 
viduals or  classes  forms  an  interesting  part  of  the  service. 
The  church  has  no  more  important  work  than  to  train 
the  members  of  its  Sunday  school  to  give  systematically 
for  the  extension  of  the  Kingdom. 

Decorations.  Appropriate  decorations  for  a  Mission- 
ary Day  would  be  paper  flags  of  all  countries.  They  can 
be  bought  at  a  low  price,  and  are  not  only  beautiful  but 
very  attractive. 

There  is  no  quicker  way  to  build  up  the  work  at  home 
and  to  maintain  the  interest  than  to  try  to  extend  the 
work  abroad.  "  The  light  that  shines  the  farthest  shines 
the  brightest  at  home." 


HOME  MISSIONARY  DAY 

(See  Missionary  Day) 
Home  Missionary  Day  is  simply  a  Missionary  Day,  the 
program  for  which  is  arranged  from  the  Home  Missionary 
standpoint. 


FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  DAY 

{See  Missionary  Day) 
Foreign  Missionary  Day  is  simply  a  Missionary  Day, 
the  program  for  which  is  arranged  from  the  Foreign 
Missionary  standpoint. 


Missionary  Days  lyr 

FREEDMEN'S  DAY 
This  day  is  held  in  the  interest  of  the  Negroes.  All 
of  our  churches  have  work  among  the  Negroes  of  the 
South,  and  this  is  a  good  opportunity  to  present  the 
work  to  the  school.  If  some  representative  were  present 
from  one  of  these  schools  in  the  Southland  in  which  the 
Sunday  school  is  interested,  it  would  be  a  good  thing  to 
hear  from  him  the  story  of  his  people  and  of  his  school. 
An  offering  might  be  taken,  to  be  passed  through  the 
regular  Board  of  the  Church  having  in  hand  the  educa- 
tion and  evangelization  of  the  Negroes. 


IMMIGRATION  DAY 
In  every  considerable  city  there  is  some  officer  who 
looks  after  the  immigrants.  (If  there  is  no  such  special 
officer,  the  chief  of  pohce  would  do.)  Invite  him,  on 
Immigration  Day,  to  come  and  tell  the  school  something 
about  the  people  of  foreign  countries  who  are  coming 
into  the  locahty ;  how  they  are  taken  care  of  and  given 
a  start  towards  American  citizenship ;  some  of  the  diffi- 
culties they  have  to  overcome;  and  how  to  make  them 
good  citizens. 


XIII 
BENEVOLENCE  AND  REFORM  DAYS 

BENEVOLENCE  DAY 

The  purpose  of  Benevolence  Day  is  to  bring  before 
the  school,  especially  the  older  Departments,  the  benevo- 
lences in  which  they  are  interested. 

The  Benevolence  Committee  could  present  the  names 
of  the  institutions,  societies,  or  persons  that  have  been 
helped,  with  some  brief  account  of  each.  The  treasurer 
could  give  the  amount  of  money  contributed  to  each  of 
these  benevolences. 

This  service  could  be  made  very  interesting  by  telling 
of  special  incidents  connected  with  the  various  benevo- 
lences. If  those  who  have  been  helped  are  written  to 
far  enough  in  advance,  letters  might  be  procured  refer- 
ring to  the  benefit  that  has  been  received. 

This  would  be  a  good  time,  also,  for  the  Benevolence 
Committee  to  report  suggestions  for  the  coming  year. 
People  always  give  with  more  pleasure  and,  usually,  more 
liberally  when  they  are  familiar  with  the  purposes  to 
which  they  are  asked  to  give.  It  is  a  principle  underly- 
ing all  benevolences  that  the  giving  should  be  intelligent. 
This  is  impossible  unless  those  who  give  are  kept  in- 
formed as  to  what  is  being  done  with  the  money. 


PLEDGE  DAY 

This   day  is   used  with  splendid  effect  in  the  Gary  Me- 
morial Sunday  School,  of  Wheaton,  Illinois.     The  enroil- 

176 


Benevolence  and  Reform  Days  177 

ment  of  the  school — not  including  the  Home  Department 
and  Cradle  Roll — is  something  less  than  six  hundred, 
with  an  average  attendance  of  three  hundred  and  fifty. 

On  a  given  Sunday,  early  in  the  year,  they  celebrate 
"  Pledge  Day."  A  box,  about  four  inches  square  and  six 
inches  high,  is  prepared  with  a  slot  in  the  top.  After  an 
appropriate  service,  the  classes  are  allowed  a  short  session 
among  themselves,  in  order  that  they  may  decide  what 
they  will  do,  as  a  class,  for  benevolences  during  the  com- 
ing year.  The  individuals  say  how  much  they  can  give, 
no  record  being  kept  of  that ;  then  the  total  amount  is 
placed,  as  the  Class  Pledge,  upon  the  card  provided,  and 
a  representative  of  the  class  drops  it  in  the  box.  This 
box  is  not  opened  until  the  next  Pledge  Day,  when  the 
pledges  are  taken  out  and  destroyed. 

This  plan  has  been  carried  on  now  for  two  years.  The 
first  year  the  pledges  amounted  to  $840 — the  second  year 
to  ^972.  These  pledges  in  no  way  interfered  with  the 
regular  offering  of  the  school,  which  averages  about  three 
cents  a  member  per  Sunday.  When  the  comparatively 
small  average  attendance  is  considered,  this  is  certainly  a 
marvellous  showing.  The  benevolences  chosen  are  chiefly 
the  regular  benevolences  of  the  church,  together  with  a 
few  special  ones  that  the  school  desires  to  help.  The 
secret  consists  in  the  placing  of  responsibihty  upon  each 
class  and  that  responsibility  being  set  by  the  class  itself. 
There  is  no  urging  from  the  platform,  or  otherwise,  for 
large  giving,  but  the  total  of  the  individual  gifts  becomes 
a  considerable  amount  as  a  class  gift.  The  money  is  re- 
tained by  the  class  until  the  next  Pledge  Day,  when  each 
class  reports  publicly  the  amount  of  its  pledge  and  the 
sum  given.  Pledge  Day  is  one  of  the  greatest  of  all  the 
•'  Days  "  in  the  Gary  Memorial  School. 


1  yS        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School  "^ 

TEMPERANCE  SUNDAY 

Next  to  the  home,  the  Sunday  school  is  the  best  place 
on  earth  to  teach  temperance.  The  most  possible  ought 
to  be  made,  therefore,  out  of  Temperance  Sundays,  and 
particularly.  World's  Temperance  Day.  The  evil  of  in- 
temperance is  so  great  and  the  peril  so  imminent  that  no 
opportunity  should  be  lost  to  teach  a  temperance  lesson, 
whether  it  bears  upon  the  lesson  of  the  day  or  not ;  a  few- 
words  can  be  spoken  from  the  platform,  if  nothing  more. 

Temperance  Committee.  Every  well  organized  school 
should  be  a  Temperance  Society.  There  should  be  a 
Temperance  Committee,  and  the  chairman  of  it  should  be 
the  temperance  secretary  or  superintendent.  To  this 
committee  may  be  intrusted  the  preparation  of  the  pro- 
grams for  the  Temperance  Days. 

Teach  by  Fact.  The  principle  underlying  all  temper- 
ance instruction  to-day  is  that  it  should  be  by  fact  and 
not  so  much  by  exhortation.  Fortunately  for  us  and 
most  unfortunately  for  the  victims,  facts  are  abundant 
and  right  at  hand.  The  reason  Temperance  Day  has 
been  such  a  bugbear  in  the  past  to  so  many  superintend- 
ents and  teachers  is  because  we  have  confined  ourselves 
so  largely  to  exhortation. 

Charts.  Scientific  instruction  in  the  public  schools  is 
enforced  with  a  generous  use  of  charts  and  illustrations. 
There  are  now  very  many  temperance  charts  suitable  for 
display  in  the  Sunday  school  and  upon  the  bulletin-board 
outside.  A  Sunday  school  could  not  do  a  better  thing 
than  to  keep  a  temperance  chart  of  this  kind  displayed 
all  the  time  where  passers-by  could  see  it.  The  Anti- 
Saloon  League  is  now  furnishing  large  posters  and  also 
small  cards  reproducing  the  posters.  The  poster  is  to  be 
shown  in  the  school  and  then  placed  upon  the  bulletin- 


Benevolence  and  Reform  Days  179 

board,  and  the  small  card  is  to  be  presented  to  each 
scholar  to  be  read  and  then  given  away.  The  denomi- 
national publishing  houses  and  all  the  temperance  organ- 
izations furnish  exercises  and  ammunition  in  abundance, 
and  also  leaflets  for  distribution  among  the  pupils. 

The  Whole  Session.  On  Temperance  Day  the  whole 
session  can  be  given  to  the  subject,  because  the  lesson  is 
appropriate.  Temperance  songs  are  increasing  in  num- 
ber and  are  to  be  found  in  almost  every  song  book ;  such 
as  "  Yield  not  to  Temptation,"  "  Onward  Christian  Sol- 
diers," "Stand  up!  Stand  up  for  Jesus,"  "Dare  to  do 
Right."  One  of  the  most  telling  features  of  an  opening 
service  is  to  have  some  reformed  drunkard  tell  what  drink 
did  for  him.  The  blackboard  can  be  used  to  advantage. 
Through  their  temperance  teaching  and  concert  exercises 
the  Sunday  schools  of  West  Virginia  did  a  great  deal 
towards  making  the  state  go  dry. 

The  Pledge.  Use  the  Temperance  Pledge.  It  is  not 
necessary  to  have  those  who  have  already  signed  sign  it 
again  every  time  the  day  comes  round,  but  it  is  a  good 
plan  to  have  all  those  stand  who  have  signed  the  pledge 
before  in  the  school  and  who  wish  to  reaffirm  their  pledge. 
Cards  may  then  be  given  to  those  who  are  seated,  with 
an  invitation  to  sign  them.  A  record  ought  to  be  kept 
of  these  signatures  so  that  it  may  always  be  known  who 
have  signed  the  pledge.  A  neat  certificate  given  to  the 
pledge-signer  is  a  good  thing.  The  writer  has  yet  the 
certificate  which  he  signed  when  under  twelve  years  of 
age.  Some  schools  give  these  certificates  framed,  ready 
to  hang  on  the  wall  of  the  pupil's  room  at  home.  A 
good  decoration  for  Temperance  Day  is  the  displaying 
of  the  pledge  cards  that  have  been  signed.  If  the  cards 
are  printed  in  the  three  colors,  red,  white,  and  blue,  they 


l8o        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

can  be  attached  to  cloth  in  such  a  way  as  to  make  an 
American  flag,  and  this  forms  a  good  decoration. 

A  Responsive  Reading.  The  Sunday  school  of  the 
First  Baptist  Church,  Plainfield,  New  Jersey,  used  the  fol- 
lowing responsive  reading,  with  good  effect ; 

Supt. — What  is  your  body  ? 

School — "  Your  body  is  a  temple  of  the  Holy  Spirit." 

Supt. — Whose  is  your  body  ? 

Pastor — <*  Ye  are  not  your  own  ;  ye  were  bought  with  a  price." 

All— 

"  My  body  is  God's  for  He  gave  it 

All  pure,  and  He  made  it  for  use ; 
He  wants  me  to  keep  it  and  save  it 
From  all  kinds  of  harm  and  abuse." 

Supt. — How  shall  we  use  our  bodies  ? 

Girls — "  Keep  thyself  pure." 

Boys — "  Be  strong." 

Juniors — "  Glorify  God  in  your  body." 

Intermediate  Department — "  Whether   therefore  ye  eat  or  drink,  or 

whatsoever  ye  do,  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God." 
Boys  and  Men — "  I  buffet  my  body  and  bring  it  into  bondage." 
Supt. — "  Present  your  bodies  a  living  sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto 

God." 
Juniors — 

"  My  body  is  a  temple, 

To  God  it  does  belong  ; 
He  bids  me  keep  it  for  His  use, 
He  wants  it  pure  and  strong. 

"  Things  that  defile  the  body 
I  must  not  use  at  all, 
Tobacco  is  one  harmful  thing, 
Another  Alcohol. 

«<  Into  my  mouth  they  shall  not  go. 
When  tempted,  I  will  answer  *  No  !  * 
And  every  day  I'll  watch  and  pray 
«  Lord,  keep  me  pure  and  strong  alway.'  " 

Supt. — What  Bible  character  kept  the  temple  of  his  body  pure  and 
strong  for  service  ? 


Benevolence  and  Reform  Days  181 

Boys — Daniel. 

Supt. — What  noble  purpose  ruled  Daniel's  life  ? 

Juniors — "  Daniel  purposed  in  his  heart  that  he  would  not  defile 

himself," 
Supt. — What  was  the  result  of  the  pure  living  of  Daniel  and  his 

friends  ? 
Intermediates — Strong  bodies  ;  strong  minds  ;  strong  souls.     "  Their 

countenances   appeared   fairer  and  they  were    fatter  in  flesh." 

Also,  "  God  gave  them  knowledge  and  skill  in  all  learning  and 

wisdom." 
Supt. — WHiat  one   thing  specially  harms   the   body,  spoiling  it   for 

service  ? 
Senior  Department — Since  the  days  of  Noah,  wine,  strong  drink,  or 

any  liquor  containing  alcohol  has  constantly  spoiled  lives  for 

service. 
Supt. — How  does  alcohol  spoil  for  service  ? 

Teachers — Alcohol    poisons   the    blood -stream.     A   poisoned   blood- 
stream weakens  the  muscles  given  us  to  do  God's  work  in  the 

world. 
Alcohol  in  the  blood-stream  poisons  the  brain,  given  us  to  think 

God's  thoughts  after  Him. 
Alcohol  in  the  blood-stream  means  a  weakened  will,  unable  to  hold 

steadfastly  to  the  path  of  love  and  duty. 
Supt. — What  does  the  Bible  teach  concerning  the  effects  of  alcohol 

on  service  ? 
Teachers — The  Bible  teaches  that  alcohol  spoils  kings  for  the  best 

service.     "  It  is  not  for  kings  to  drink  wine — lest  they  drink  and 

forget  the  law." 
Pastor — King  Ahasuerus,  when  his  heart  was  "  merry  with  wine," 

forgot   the    respect   and   honor    due   his    noble  Queen,  Vashti. 

«<  Wine  and  new  wine  take  away  the  understanding." 
Intermediates — Alcohol   spoils   soldiers   for  the  best  service.     King 

Benhadad  suffered  defeat  when  "  drinking  himself  drunk — he 

and  the  thirty  and  two  kings  that  helped  him." 
Pastor — Alcohol  spoils  spiritual  teachers  for  the  best  service.     God 

spoke  thus  to  Aaron's  sons  :  "  Drink  no  wine  nor  strong  drink 

when  ye  go  into  the  tent  of  meeting — that  ye  may  teach  the 

children  of  Israel  all  the  statutes  which  Jehovah  hath  spoken," 
Supt. — What  teaching  did  God  give  to  those  parents  who  prayed,  "  O 

Lord,  teach  us  what  we  shall  do  unto  the  child  "  ? 
All  Parents — God's  solemn  words  to  parents  were  :  "  Beware — drink 

no  wine  or  strong  drink." 
Supt. — What  is  our  purpose  in  life  ? 


l82        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

All — To  give  oui:  best  service  to  God.     "  The  Lord  our  God  will  we 

serve." 
Supt. — What  vow  of  service  do  we  take  ? 
Whole   School  (Rising) — The   vow  contained  in   our   Temperance 

Pledge  : 

"  That  I  may  give  my  best  service  to  God  and  to  my  Fellowmen. 

I  PROMISE  GOD  AND  PLEDGE  MYSELF 

never  to  use  Intoxicating  Liquors  as  a  drink,  and  to  do  all  I  can 
to  end  the  Drink  Habit  and  the  Liquor  Traffic." 

All — Sing  Consecration  Prayer. 

Wet  and  Dry  Map.  In  the  Moody  Sunday  School, 
Chicago,  a  class  of  boys  made,  on  white  muslin,  a  very 
large  map  of  the  United  States,  showing  the  wet  and 
dry  districts.  The  dry  districts  were  white,  and  the  wet 
districts  black.  This  map  was  not  so  difficult  to  make 
as  might  be  imagined.  They  took  a  slide  furnished  by 
the  Anti-Saloon  League,  threw  it  upon  a  large  screen, 
then  traced  it  and  filled  in  the  black  sections. 

Stereopticon.  Churches  having  their  own  stereopti- 
cons  may  use  them  to  advantage  on  Temperance  Day. 
Slides  on  this  subject  may  be  rented  at  small  cost. 

Teach  temperance  at  every  opportunity,  and  make 
Temperance  Day  as  interesting  as  possible. 


ANTI-SALOON  DAY 
This  is  really  a  Temperance  Day,  observed  from  a 
little  different  standpoint.  Some  representative  of  the 
Anti-Saloon  League,  if  he  can  be  secured,  might  be 
present  and  speak.  The  Anti-Saloon  League,  if  applied 
to,  will  send  out  literature  that  can  be  used  with  profit 
and  interest  on  such  an  occasion. 


Benevolence  and  Reform  Days  183 

ANTI-CIGARETTE  DAY 
Not  One  Day  but  Every  Day.  The  education  neces- 
sary to  keep  our  boys — and  girls,  too,  for  that  matter — 
from  the  evil  of  the  cigarette,  and  to  try  to  save  those 
who  have  already  begun  the  pernicious  habit,  should  not 
be  confined  to  Anti-Cigarette  Day  in  the  Sunday  school. 
Upon  every  available  occasion  this  thing  should  be  hit — 
and  hit  hard. 

«  The  Case  Against  the  Little  White  Slaver.'*  As 
has  been  stated  elsewhere,  it  is  not  the  purpose  of  this 
book  to  present  programs,  but  rather  to  give  suggestions 
and  indicate  where  suitable  material  may  be  found.  One 
of  the  best  .documents,  perhaps,  upon  this  subjedt  is  a 
booklet  entitled,  "  The  Case  Against  the  Little  White 
Slaver,"  supplied  in  single  copies,  with  the  compHments 
of  the  author,  Mr.  Henry  Ford,  the  automobile  manufac- 
turer, of  Detroit.  The  origin  of  the  booklet  came  about 
in  an  interesting  way.  Mr.  Ford  was  spending  a  holiday 
in  Florida  with  Mr.  Thomas  A.  Edison,  the  electrical 
genius,  and  Mr.  John  Burroughs,  the  great  naturalist. 
Incidentally,  the  question  of  cigarette  smoking  came  up, 
and  Mr.  Edison,  having  strongly  expressed  himself  on 
the  subject,  was  asked  to  put  his  statement  in  the  form 
of  a  letter.     This  he  did,  as  follows : 

From  the  Laboratory  of  Thomas  A,  Edison^ 

Orangey  N.  /.,  April  26,  1914. 
Friend  Ford  : 

The  injurious  agent  in  cigarettes  comes  princi- 
pally from  the  burning  paper  wrapper.  The  substance 
thereby  formed  is  called  "  Acrolein."  It  has  a  violent 
action  on  the  nerve  centers,  producing  degeneration 
of  the  cells  of  the  brain,  which  is  quite  rapid  among 
boys. 


184        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Unlike  most  narcotics  this  degeneration  is  permanent 
and  uncontrollable.  I  employ  no  person  who  smokes 
cigarettes.  Yours, 

Thos.  a.  Edison. 


Anti-Cigarette  League.  There  are  literally  tons  of 
available  matter  on  this  subject.  The  Anti-Cigarette 
League  of  America,  11 19  Woman's  Temple,  Chicago, 
issues  a  large  line  of  leaflets  and  helpful  printed  matter. 
Professor  William  A.  McKeever's  booklet  on  "  The 
Cigarette  Smoking  Boy  "  (to  be  had  at  the  above  ad- 
dress) is  a  very  strong  presentation  of  the  subject. 

The  Program.  For  the  program  on  Anti-Cigarette 
Day,  the  difficulty  will  be  to  confine  one's  self  to  the 
time  limit,  because  of  the  wealth  of  material  available. 
The  booklet  referred  to  published  by  Mr.  Ford  has  ma- 
terial enough  for  a  dozen  such  days. 

Charts.  Mr.  C.  A.  Baines,  of  Newport  News,  Vir- 
ginia, has  a  strong  article  in  the  Sunday  School  Times y 
June  5,  191 5,  on  this  subject.*  Mr.  Baines  is  an  expert 
in  the  preparing  of  charts  on  this  and  other  subjects,  de- 
signed to  present  to  the  eye  the  lessons  taught.  Two 
such  charts  will  be  found  in  miniature  in  the  issue  of  the 
Sunday  School  Times  referred  to.  These  charts  are 
twenty-two  by  twenty-seven  inches  in  size,  and  may  be 
obtained  from  the  Sunday  School  Times  at  seventy-five 
cents  each.  The  following  facts  from  one  of  these  will 
be  interesting :  Forty  boys  were  chosen  by  lot  from  the 
same  classes  in  the  public  school.  They  averaged  four- 
teen years  of  age.  Twenty  of  them  smoked  cigarettes 
and  twenty  of  them  did  not.     Impartial  reports  were  had 

1  Mr.  Baines  has  issued  a  book  of  Charts  on  the  Cigarette,  which  all 
workers  with  boys  should  have.     Price  $1.00.     Address  as  above. 


Benevolence  and  Reform  Days  185 

upon  these  boys  from  ten  teachers,  covering  several 
months.  The  results  were  tabulated  by  Professor  P.  L. 
Lord,  and  are  as  follows,  the  first  column  indicating  how 
many  of  the  twenty  cigarette  smokers  were  affected,  and 
the  last  column  how  many  of  the  non-smokers  were 
affected : 

Smokers  Non-Smokers 

Nervous 14 I 

Impaired   Hearing 13 I 

Bad  Physical  Condition 12 2 

Poor  Memory 12 I 

Slow  Thinkers 19 3 

Low  Rank  in  Studies 18 3 

Times  Failed  of  Promotion  ....  19 2 

Bad  Mental  Condition 18 I 

Not  Neat  and  Clean 12 I 

Untruthful 9 O 

Truant" lO O 

Street  Loafers 16 O 

Out  Nights 15 O 

Bad  Moral  Condition 14 O 

Statements  by  Some  Who  Know.  Below  are  a  few 
statements,  gathered  at  random  from  various  sources, 
which  may  be  found  helpful  on  Anti-Cigarette  Day.  It 
is  better,  however,  to  get  the  booklets  referred  to  above. 

**  Loss  of  power,  loss  of  control,  diminished  vitality 
and  general  inefficiency  are  almost  sure  to  follow." — 
Dr.  T.  D.  Crothers,  Superintendent  Walnut  Lodge  Hos- 
pital, Hartford,  Connecticut. 

"  During  a  third  of  a  century,  I  have  yet  to  discover 
among  the  thousands  of  young  men  in  my  classes  a 
cigarette  slave  who  ever  developed  into  more  than  a 
third  or  fourth  rate  stenographer." — Selby  A.  Moran, 
Teacher  of  Shorthand,  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan. 

"  Cigarette  smoking  is  the  most  serious  agency  for 


l86        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

non-success  we  have  to  deal  with." — J.  Remsen  Bishop, 
Principal  Eastern  High  School,  Detroit,  Michigan. 

*'  Cigarette  smoking  is  a  pernicious  habit." — Dr. 
Harvey  W.  Wiley,  Former  Chief  of  the  Federal  Bureau 
of  Chemistry. 

"  The  cigarette  injures  the  boy  morally." — Dr.  D.  H. 
Kress,  Washington,  D.  C. 

"  Any  boy  who  smokes  can  never  hope  to  succeed  in 
this  world  to  a  high  position  and  continue  the  use  of 
cigarettes." — Connie  Mack,  Owner  Philadelphia  Athletic 
Baseball  Club. 

**  One  of  the  very  worst  habits  of  boyhood  is  the 
cigarette  habit." — Hon.  Benjamin  B.  Lindsay,  Judge 
Juvenile  Court,  Denver,  Colorado. 

Hundreds  of  great  business  concerns  refuse  to  employ 
boys  who  smoke  cigarettes. 


SAVE-THE-BOY  SUNDAY 
The  Chicago  Presbytery  is  emphasizing  this  day,  es- 
pecially among  the  churches  of  foreign  speaking  people. 
The  mayor  of  the  City  of  Chicago  has  designated  Feb- 
ruary 13,  191 6,  as  "  Save-the-Boy  Sunday."  The  minis- 
ters are  asked  to  preach  at  least  one  sermon  that  day  on 
the  subject  of  *'  The  Boy."  In  this  sermon  they  are 
asked  to  emphasize  the  following  points  : 

"  One  addressed  to  parents,  showing  the  need  of  throw- 
ing proper  safeguards  about  the  boy  by  encouraging  him 
to  attend  religious,  social,  recreative  and  educational  in- 
structions and  giving  him  proper  home  instruction.  The 
other  idea  has  to  do  with  the  boy  himself.  The  boy 
should  be  shown  the  value  of  developing  his  ability  to 
rise  above  his  own  environment,  however  unfavorable  it 


Benevolence  and  Reform  Days  187 

may  be.  This  we  believe  he  can  do  by  getting  into  per- 
sonal touch  with  Jesus  Christ, '  his  elder  brother '  and 
Saviour.  Please  also  speak  against  the  destructive  in- 
fluences of  the  cigarette,  the  pool  room  and  saloon." 

On  this  Sunday  as  many  boys  will  be  gathered  as  pos- 
sible, in  order  that  they  may  hear  what  the  pastor  has  to 
say.  The  object,  of  course,  is  to  safeguard  the  foreign 
speaking  boys  from  the  dangers  with  which  they  are 
surrounded  in  any  new  country  and  especially  in  the 
large  cities.  The  lessons  to  be  learned  are  no  less  valu- 
able to  our  own  native-born  boys. 


NATIONAL  CHILD  LABOR  DAY 
There  is  a  National  Child  Labor  Committee,  located 
in  New  York  City,  which  aims  to  prevent  the  exploita- 
tion of  children  in  industry  and  to  insure  to  every  child 
an  elementary  education  supplemented  by  industrial 
training  and  vocational  guidance.  To  accomplish  this 
end  the  work  of  the  Committee  is  fourfold : 

1.  To  investigate  children  at  work ; 

2.  To  educate  the  people  of  the  country  by  giving 

them  the  results  of  its  investigations ; 

3.  To  promote  the  necessary  legislation  ; 

4.  To  insure  the  enforcement  of  legislation. 

There  are  nearly  two  millions  of  children  between  ten 
and  sixteen  years  of  age  who  are  working  for  wages 
when  they  ought  to  be  in  school,  and  many  of  them 
under  unkind  taskmasters. 

The  Federal  Council  of  Churches  has  designated  the 
fourth  Sunday  in  January  as  "  Child  Labor  Day,"  and 
the  Committee  has  prepared  a  suitable,  flexible  program, 
the  outline  of  which  is  given  below : 


l88        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 
PROGRAM 


FOR 

CHILD  LABOR  DAY 


Singing  : — America ;  or,  Jesus,  Meek  and  Gentle. 

Scripture  Reading  ; — Matt,  xviii.  I-14. 

Essay  or  Recitation  by  Pupil : — '♦  Children  at  Labor." 

(To  give  all  your  pupils  a  chance  to  take  part  personally  in 
Child  Labor  Day,  you  may  be  able  to  arrange  for  an  entire 
class  to  write  child  labor  themes,  the  best  two  or  three  to  be 
read  on  Child  Labor  Monday.  The  National  Child  Labor 
Committee  would  be  glad  to  have  the  winning  themes  for- 
warded to  them  with  a  view  to  pubUshing  the  best.) 

Or  Debate : — 

"Resolved:  That  Congress  Should  Enact  a  Law,  Forbidding 
the  Interstate  Shipment  of  Child-Made  Goods." 

Hymn    for   Working    Children: — Tune    "Autumn,"    or    Austrian 
National  Hymn. 

"  There's  a  voice  that  now  is  calling, 
Loudly  calling,  day  by  day ; 
*Tis  the  voice  of  right  and  justice, 
And  its  tones  we  must  obey. 
We  must  hasten  to  the  rescue 
Of  the  children  young  and  frail, 
Who  are  weary  of  their  burdens, 
And  too  soon  their  strength  will  fail. 

"  In  our  stores  and  shops  we  find  them, 
'Mid  the  bloom  of  early  Spring ; 
But  the  Lord  is  watching  o'er  them. 
And  their  calls  to  Him  we  bring. 
Though  their  parents  bid  them  labor 
And  deny  them  needed  rest ; 
Yet  our  faith  believes  the  promise. 
That  their  wrongs  will  be  redressed. 


Benevolence  and  Reform  Days  189 

"  Men  of  rank  and  high  position, 
Men  who  guard  our  native  land, 
In  the  name  of  our  Redeemer, 
Come  and  lend  a  helping  hand. 
Come  at  once  ;  the  plea  is  urgent, 
And  the  hours  are  waning  still ; 
Make  these  children  glad  and  happy, 
And  the  law  of  love  fulfill." 

— Fanny  J.  Crosby. 


Talk :— By  Head  of  the  School :  "  What  Child  Labor  Means  to  Our 
Country." 

Collection. 

(The  federal  child  labor  bill  will  pass  and  150,000  children  will 
be  given  better  opportunities  in  life  if  public  opinion  can  be 
aroused.  To  make  the  American  people  realize  the  cruel 
facts  of  child  labor,  we  must  do  extended  publicity  work,  in 
which  we  ask  the  aid  of  all  large-spirited  citizens.  If  each 
pupil  in  your  school  would  give  five  cents,  it  would  mean  that 
we  could  wage  a  better  campaign  for  the  bill,  give  better 
chances  to  the  children.  Even  the  smallest  contribution  will 
be  gratefully  received.) 

Singing: — A  Hymn  for  Child  Labor  Sunday.     Tune  :  "  Noel." 

"  O  God,  whose  justice  is  a  rod, 
That  smites  our  human  greed. 
Whose  mercy  is  a  healing  balm 
For  hearts  that  break  and  bleed; 
We  cry  to  thee,  O  Lord,  for  strength 
To  right  the  wrongs  of  earth. 
To  lift  the  yokes,  to  break  the  bonds. 
That  make  a  curse  of  birth. 

"We  pray  for  all  Thy  little  ones. 
Who  toil  in  mine  and  mill. 
Whose  bitter  cries  of  agony 
No  clanking  wheels  can  still ; 
Whose  eyes  peer  blind  in  rooms  of  night, 
By  sunlight  rays  unlit ; 
Who  choke  and  sob  in  poisoned  dust 
Of  factory  and  pit. 


igo        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 


«  O  Father,  are  these  children  Thine, 
All  bent  and  scarred  and  maimed. 
With  little  hands  all  gnarled  and  torn, 
With  feet  all  bruised  and  lamed  ; 
With  lips  that  never  frame  a  smile, 
With  cheeks  scarred  deep  with  pain. 
With  eyes  bedimmed  and  swollen  red 
By  tears  that  fall  like  rain  ? 

"  These  little  ones,  our  Father,  Thine, 
Who  never  play  and  sing, 
Who  ne'er  with  shouts  of  gladsome  mirth 
Make  woods  and  pastures  ring; 
Who  know  all  manhood's  toil  and  grief. 
Ere  manhood's  strength  is  won, 
Who  taste  the  bitterness  of  life, 
When  life  is  scarce  begun  ? 

"  O  Lord,  lay  bare  Thy  mighty  arm, 
Unloose  Thy  vengeance  flood. 
Smite  with  Thy  wrath  the  lustful  greed 
That  feeds  on  children's  blood ; 
And  in  Thy  mercy,  from  their  bonds 
These  little  ones  release. 
And  give  them  air  and  sun  and  play. 
And  love  and  joy  and  peace." 

— John  Haynes  Holmes, 
Church  of  the  Messiah,  New  York  City, 


CITY  BEAUTIFUL  DAY 
Everybody  is  interested,  or  should  be,  in  beautifying 
their  city  or  town.  Some  very  wholesome  instruction 
can  be  given  on  City  Beautiful  Day  in  the  opening  serv- 
ice as  to  how  everybody,  little  and  big,  can  contribute 
to  this  end.  The  scholars  may  be  taught  not  to  throw 
papers  and  rubbish  on  the  street,  to  keep  the  weeds 
down  and  to  beautify  their  yards,  how  to  cover  old,  un- 
sightly buildings  with  pretty  vines.  In  a  thousand  ways 
lessons   can  be  given  that  will  result  in  the  transform- 


Benevolence  and  Reform  Days  191 

ing  of  many  an  unsightly  place  into  a  beauty  spot.  If 
there  is  any  specific  plan  whereby  the  city  is  endeavor- 
ing to  carry  on  some  general  scheme  of  beautifying  or 
decorating  the  city,  this  can  be  explained  in  a  few  min- 
utes, and,  possibly,  a  picture  of  the  City  Beautiful  be 
displayed. 


TREE-PLANTING  DAY 

Tree-Planting  Day  is,  of  course,  observed  only  where 
there  are  ample  grounds  for  the  planting  of  trees.  A 
certain  class — perhaps  a  class  just  graduating  in  teacher 
training,  or  a  class  just  graduating  from  one  department 
to  another — could  plant  a  tree,  with  suitable  ceremony. 


TUBERCULOSIS  DAY 

Never  as  at  present  has  the  fight  been  so  vigorous  and 
systematic  against  the  White  Plague  which  is  reaping  its 
harvest  of  death  by  thousands.  Without  a  doubt  im- 
proper knowledge  of  the  simplest  rules  of  living,  such  as 
proper  ventilation,  sanitation,  etc.,  greatly  increases  this 
deadly  disease. 

Tuberculosis  Day  is  a  campaign  day  for  spreading  in- 
formation as  well  as,  possibly,  gathering  offerings  for  the 
use  of  those  who  are  carrying  on  the  continent-wide 
campaign.  There  is  an  abundance  of  literature  that  can 
easily  be  secured,  containing  material  quite  sufficient  to 
provide  a  program  for  any  school. 


FRESH-AIR  SUNDAY 
On   Fresh-Air   Sunday  have  somebody  representing 
the   Fresh-Air   Fund   come  before  the  school  and  tell 


192         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

about  the  children  who  are  sent  to  the  country  for  a  few 
weeks  to  enjoy  God's  out-of-doors.  Sometimes  this 
enterprise  is  carried  on  by  one  of  the  papers  of  the  city, 
sometimes  by  a  society.  If  the  presence  of  some  of  these 
Fresh-Air  children  could  be  secured,  it  would  add  to  the 
interest. 


HOSPITAL  DAY 

Hospital  Day,  if  properly  worked  up,  will  command 
the  interest  of  any  school. 

Many  schools,  especially  those  in  cities,  furnish  and 
maintain  a  bed  in  their  denominational  hospital  or  in 
some  public  hospital.  Some  schools  do  this  where  the 
hospital  is  situated  in  another  city  or  in  a  mission  field. 

There  are  many  ways  of  making  Hospital  Day  inter- 
esting. A  short  talk  might  be  given  by  a  doctor  from  a 
hospital,  or  by  a  nurse.  It  would  not  be  out  of  place  for 
either  one  of  these  to  devote  a  few  minutes  to  "  first  aid 
to  the  injured." 

It  would  be  especially  pleasing,  if  a  school  has  a  bed, 
to  have  a  short  message  from  some  one  who  has  occu- 
pied that  bed ;  this  would  create  deep  interest,  and  cause 
the  school  to  rejoice  that  it  had  a  part  in  so  good  a  work. 
It  might  be  a  good  time,  also,  to  take  an  offering  for 
the  hospital  in  which  the  school  is  most  interested. 

Members  of  the  school  could  bring  flowers  on  this 
day,  to  be  arranged  in  bouquets  and  sent  to  the  hospital 
at  the  close  of  the  service,  each  bouquet  having  a  neatly 
printed  card  attached  bearing  the  name  of  the  school  and 
some  appropriate  sentiment.  The  young  people  would 
be  glad  to  carry  these  bouquets,  or  a  committee  could  be 
appointed  for  that  purpose. 


Benevolence  and  Reform  Days  193 

POST-CARD  DAY 

The  bringing  of  picture  post-cards  has  been  referred 
to  under  Children's  Day.  Some  schools,  however,  set 
apart  a  day  for  it  at  another  time,  when  all  the  people,  lit- 
tle and  big,  are  asked  to  bring  post-cards,  not  simply  one 
but  as  many  as  they  will.  Beautiful  picture  post-cards 
may  be  had  at  small  cost.  The  officers,  or  the  officers 
and  teachers,  might  provide  albums.  Then,  committees 
of  boys  and  girls  and  young  people  can  paste  these  post- 
cards in  the  albums,  when  they  may  be  sent  to  the  hos- 
pitals at  home  or  abroad.  (The  World's  Sunday  School 
Association  has  a  surplus-material  department  which 
does  many  things  of  this  kind.)  There  is  nothing  more 
popular  in  the  children's  wards  of  the  hospitals  than  post- 
card albums,  and  many  a  sick  or  convalescing  child 
spends  happy  hours  over  such  a  book. 

In  order  to  create  interest,  some  classes  might  fasten 
their  post- cards  on  ribbons  or  adjust  them  in  some  other 
attractive  manner,  and  display  them.  A  story  told  about 
what  children  say  of  such  things  would  be  exceedingly 
interesting,  especially  if  told  by  a  child  who  had  been  in 
the  hospital  and  enjoyed  one  of  the  picture  books. 

There  is  no  telling  the  good  that  may  come  out  of 
such  a  day  as  this,  and  the  children  will  love  and  remem- 
ber it. 


NEW  TESTAMENT  DAY 
This  day  was  started  by  the  late  P.  H.  Bristow,  who 
occupied  for  many  years  the  position  of  superintendent 
of  the  Calvary  Baptist  Sunday  School,  of  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.  Knowing  that  there  were  many  scholars  in 
their  great  school  who  did  not  have  a  copy  of  the  New 


194        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Testament,  he  hit  upon  the  plan  of  having  a  "  New  Tes- 
tament Day"  when  Testaments  should  be  given  to  all 
scholars  under  a  certain  age.  This  took  in  practically 
all  the  children  of  the  school.  Of  course,  they  were 
given  to  many  children  who  already  had  Testaments,  but 
by  giving  to  all  it  did  not  embarrass  those  who  did  not 
have  them. 

On  the  day  set  apart,  which  was  in  February,  eight 
hundred  of  these  beautiful  red-covered  Testaments,  each 
containing  quite  a  number  of  beautiful  pictures,  were  pre- 
sented to  as  many  scholars  in  the  school.  The  interrup- 
tion in  the  departments  took  less  than  five  minutes.  The 
pastor.  Dr.  Green,  went  from  department  to  department ; 
those  who  were  to  receive  the  Testaments  were  asked  to 
rise,  and  in  a  beautiful  little  talk  of  two  or  three  minutes 
he  made  the  presentation.  After  that  the  scholars 
marched  past  the  officers  in  an  orderly  manner  and  were 
each  presented  with  a  copy  of  the  Testament. 


XIV 

MISCELLANEOUS  DAYS 

FLOWER  DAY 
The  very  mention  of  Flower  Day  brings  with  it  such 
a  wealth  of  suggestion  as  to  its  profitable  observance 
that  it  is  quite  impossible  to  treat  it  adequately  in  this 
limited  space.  Flowers  have  such  a  wonderful  story  to 
tell.  In  addition  to  the  following  verses  applying  to  the 
ministry  of  flowers,  still  others  may  be  found  in  the 
"  Easter  "  chapter. 

"  There  is  a  lesson  in  each  flower, 
A  story  in  each  stream  and  bower ; 
On  every  herb  on  which  you  tread 
Are  written  words  which,  rightly  read, 
Will  lead  you  from  earth's  fragrant  sod 
To  hope  and  holiness  and  God." 


"  Were  I,  O  God,  in  churchless  lands  remaining, 
Far  from  the  voice  of  teachers  or  divines, 
My  soul  would  find  in  flowers  of  Thy  ordaining 
Priests — Sermons — Shrines. ' ' 


"  We  ask  you  to  a  feast  to-day,  dear  friends, 
A  feast  of  flowers  and  a  flow  of  song ; 
For  what  more  fitting  on  this  flower  day, 
Than  such  a  festal  gathering  for  praise  ? 


196        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

This  is  the  month  of  roses  and  of  bloom, 
Of  fragrant  fields  and  music-laden  air ; 
Then  let  us  pause  amidst  earth's  many  sweets 
To  feast  upon  the  lessons  of  God's  love. 
Perhaps  these  flowers  themselves  will  speak  to  us, 
And  with  our  songs  may  flow  their  fragrant  praise; 
And  thus  our  incense  of  melody  and  sweet  perfume 
Will  rise  in  adoration  of  that  great  Name 
Which  stands  so  far  above  all  other  names. 

"  Such  shall  our  service  be  this  flower  day, 
And  oh !  may  He  who  clothes  our  fields  with  bloom 
And  gives  to  us  as  to  the  birds  a  song, 
Be  in  our  midst,  the  fairest  of  the  feast, 
That  every  heart  may  crown  Him 
Lord  of  All." 


"  Welcome,  happy  joyous  day  ! 
Filling  all  the  earth  with  flowers. 
Precious  gifts  from  heaven  are  they, 
Pouring  forth  in  gracious  showers ; 
Happy  joyous  flower  day  ! 
Blooming  gardens,  posies  sweet, 
Nuptial  honors  of  the  bride. 
Shall  thy  welcome  presence  greet." 


"  The  flowers  of  many  climes 
That  bloom  all  seasons  through, 
Met  in  a  stately  garden 
Bright  with  the  morning  dew. 

'*For  praise  and  loving  worship 
The  Lord  they  came  to  meet ; 
Her  box  of  precious  ointment 
The  Rose  broke  at  His  feet. 


Miscellaneous  Days  197 

"  The  Passion  Flower,  His  symbol 
Wore  fondly  on  her  breast ; 
She  spoke  of  self-denial 
As  what  might  please  Him  best. 

"  The  Morning  Glories  fragile, 
Like  infants  soon  to  go, 
Had  dainty,  toy-like  trumpets, 
And  praised  the  Master  so. 

** '  His  word  is  like  to  honey,* 
The  Clover  testified, 

*  And  all  who  trust  His  Promise 
Shall  in  His  love  abide.* 

**  The  Lilies  said,  *  O  trust  Him  ! 
We  neither  toil  nor  spin, 
And  yet.  His  house  of  beauty, 
See  how  we  enter  in  !  * 

**  *  And  let  us  follow  Jesus,' 
The  Star  of  Bethlehem  said. 
And  all  the  other  flowers 
Bent  down  the  reverent  head. 

*•  The  glad  Sun  Flower  answered, 
And  little  Daisies  bright. 
And  all  the  lovely  Asters, 

*  We  follow  toward  the  light.' 

"  <  We  praise  Him  for  the  mountains,* 
The  Alpine  Roses  cried, 

*  We  bless  Him  for  the  valleys,* 
The  Violets  replied. 

*'  *  We  praise  Him  for  the  waters,* 
The  gray  Sea  Mosses  sighed. 
And  all  the  baptized  Lilies, 

*  Amen  !    Amen  ! '  replied. 


198         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

**  *  Hosanna  in  the  highest ! ' 
The  double  Dahlias  sang, 
While  little  trembling  Harebells 
With  softest  music  rang. 

"  And  now  the  bright  Day  Lilies 
Their  love- watch  ceased  to  keep; 
*  He  giveth,'  said  the  Poppies, 
*To  His  beloved  sleep.'  " 

The  Flower  Program.  The  time  of  year  for  Flower 
Day  will  vary  in  different  localities,  owing  to  the  flower 
season.  Scores  of  beautiful  programs,  some  quite 
elaborate,  may  be  had  from  the  many  supply  houses. 
Simply  bringing  flowers  to  the  church  and  enjoying 
them,  whether  artfully  arranged  or  not,  and  then  passing 
them  on  to  the  shut-ins,  is  of  itself  an  altogether  worthy 
service. 

Sometimes  the  day  is  built  about  a  given  flower  and 
named  after  that  flower ;  as.  Carnation  Day,  Rose  Day, 
Chrysanthemum  Day,  etc.  It  would  be  a  pleasant  sight 
if  all  the  flowers  brought  on  one  Flower  Day  were  the 
old-fashioned  flowers  from  the  garden. 

Sometimes  all  the  members  of  the  school  are  asked  to 
bring  cut  flowers  of  any  kind  they  like.  These  are  given 
over  to  a  committee  and  arranged  as  artistically  as  possi- 
ble around  the  pulpit  and  in  the  front  part  of  the  church. 
Then  follows  a  short  service  built  upon  the  lessons  of  the 
flowers,  with,  possibly,  a  sermon.  There  are  many  refer- 
ences in  the  Bible  to  flowers,  Christ  Himself  being  re- 
ferred to  as  "  the  Rose  of  Sharon  and  the  Lily  of  the 
Valley."  After  the  service  the  flowers  are  arranged  in 
bouquets  and  carried  to  the  hospitals  and  to  sick  rooms. 
One  pastor  in  the  South  writes  that  the  flowers  brought 


Miscellaneous  Days  199 

on  one  such  Sunday  were  more  than  could  be  placed  in 
an  ordinary  freight  car. 

Potted  plants  are  sometimes  brought  and  placed  upon 
forms  on  the  platform,  so  that,  when  the  plants  are  in 
place,  a  beautiful  decorative  effect  is  presented.  These 
plants  are  later  taken  to  the  sick. 

A  Flower  March.  There  is,  sometimes,  a  flower  march, 
the  scholars  all  passing  the  platform,  each  bringing  one 
flower  of  any  kind  they  like  and  tossing  it  upon  a  frame 
on  the  platform,  made  in  the  shape  of  a  large  cross  and 
placed  at  an  angle  of  about  thirty  degrees.  This  cross 
has  a  wire  bottom,  with  board  sides,  six  feet  long  and 
about  four  inches  deep.  The  flowers  are  simply  tossed 
upon  this  frame  without  any  thought  of  order,  and  when 
it  is  completed,  it  presents  a  beautiful  cross  of  flowers  and 
green,  with  flowers  lying  all  about  it  on  the  floor. 

Love  Messages  to  Sick.  One  New  Jersey  school  asks 
each  member  to  bring  just  one  flower.  These  flowers  are 
received  at  the  church  door  by  a  special  committee,  who 
thank  the  scholars  for  their  flowers,  and  receive  the  names 
of  any  sick  to  whom  they  would  like  to  have  them  sent. 
During  the  service  the  flowers  are  made  into  bouquets, 
tied  with  ribbon,  and  tagged  with  an  appropriate  card 
bearing  a  love-message  from  the  school  and  the  name 
of  the  person  who  is  to  receive  it.  At  the  close  of  the 
service,  the  superintendent  reads  from  the  platform  the 
list  prepared  by  the  committee,  giving  the  names  and 
addresses  of  the  shut-ins  together  with  the  name  of  the 
member  of  the  school  who  is  asked  to  deliver  the  bouquet. 
These  scholars  come  forward  and  receive  the  bouquet  in 
trust  to  deliver  in  the  name  of  the  school.  This  makes 
a  very  beautiful  and  helpful  service  that  will  not  be 
forgotten. 


200        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

NEWSPAPER  DAY 

On  Newspaper  Day  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  of  the 
opening  service  are  set  aside  for  the  scholars  to  read 
newspaper  clippings  bearing  upon  some  phase  of  Sun- 
day-school work  or  giving  some  helpful  illustration.  If 
the  clippings  are  properly  selected,  it  will  be  an  inter- 
esting service. 

More  and  more  the  best  newspapers  are  coming  to 
recognize  the  Sunday  school.  A  treatment  of  the  Sun- 
day-school lesson  appears  now  week  by  week  in  papers 
reaching  perhaps  fifteen  or  twenty  millions  of  readers. 
These  same  papers  carry  many  incidents  and  illustrations 
bearing  on  the  subject  of  the  lesson.  It  would  be  diffi- 
cult to  find  a  single  issue  of  a  creditable  newspaper  that 
did  not  have  in  it  some  articles  that  would  lend  them- 
selves advantageously  to  a  Newspaper  Day  program. 


VISITING  DAY 

(Calling  Day) 

Visiting  Day  may  properly  be  observed  several  times 
a  year,  generally  on  a  week-day,  as  it  has  no  relation  to 
the  Sunday-school  session. 

It  may  be  observed  in  any  or  all  of  the  following 
ways : 

1.  Teachers  may  visit  their  own  scholars. 

2.  Scholars  may  visit  their  own  teachers. 

3.  Scholars  of  one  class  may  call  upon  scholars  of 

another  class. 

4.  Teachers  or  scholars,  or  both,  may  call  upon  those 

who  are  not  members  of  the  school,  inviting 
them  to  join. 


Miscellaneous  Days  2oi 

Of  course,  the  method  of  observing  the  day  should  be 
carefully  planned  beforehand  and  understood  by  all. 

A  few  moments  of  the  opening  service  of  the  Sunday 
school  on  the  Sunday  following  Visiting  Day  could  be 
profitably  spent  in  hearing  reports  given  in  answer  to 
such  questions  as,  "  Who  of  you  teachers  called  upon  all 
of  your  scholars  on  Visiting  Day  ? "  "  Who  of  you 
scholars  called  upon  your  teacher  ? "  "  Who  of  you 
scholars  called  upon  other  scholars  of  our  school  ? " 
"  Who  have  visited  any  who  were  not  members,  inviting 
them  to  our  school  ?  "  "  Are  any  new  members  present 
to-day  who  have  come  because  of  such  a  visit  ?  "  With 
a  little  effort  it  could  be  easily  ascertained  how  many 
visits  were  made  on  Visiting  Day.  This  information,  to- 
gether with  the  answers  to  the  questions  given  above, 
would  create  much  interest. 


ON  TIME  DAY 

As  the  name  indicates,  this  is  intended  to  honor  those 
who  are  on  time.  Some  schools  may  not  consider  that 
the  day  has  great  value,  but  others  do. 

Some  recognition  of  those  who  are  on  time  is  desirable 
— a  flower,  a  little  flag  or  other  emblem  presented  at  the 
door  to  all  who  are  in  their  places  for  the  opening  mo- 
ment. Of  course,  if  such  recognition  is  given,  no  pre- 
vious announcement  should  be  made,  and  the  day  should 
not  be  observed  more  than  once  a  quarter  or,  possibly, 
less  frequently. 

Perhaps  the  best  use  that  could  be  made  of  this  day 
would  be  for  some  bright  young  man,  in  a  five-minute 
talk,  to  impress  upon  the  school  the  necessity  of  being 
on  time  and  the  righteousness  of  keeping  engagements. 


202         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

GO  FORWARD  DAY 

On  this  day  definite  plans  are  presented  for  a  specific 
campaign  along  any  line — numerical,  financial,  etc. 


PICTURE  DAY 
On  Picture  Day  everybody  is  asked  to  bring  a  small, 
unframed  picture,  perhaps  just  a  Perry  picture  which 
can  be  bought  for  a  few  pennies.  No  large,  expensive 
pictures  should  be  brought,  but  simply  those  that  can 
be  passed  out  in  hospitals  or  among  the  sick,  or  sent  to 
some  mission  school  on  the  frontier  or  in  the  foreign 
field.     Pictures  are  the  same  in  all  languages. 


SURPRISE  SUNDAY 
Surprise  Sunday  may  be  made  interesting  by  being 
placed  in  the  hands  of  a  special  committee,  who  will 
prepare  a  ten-minute  program  of  features  altogether 
different  from  anything  the  school  is  famihar  with,  but, 
of  course,  entirely  appropriate.  The  school  will  be 
kept  in  ignorance  as  to  the  nature  of  the  program  until 
it  is  presented. 


STORY  DAY 
If  the  opening  service  is  twenty-five  minutes  long, 
have  ten  minutes  of  song  and  prayer,  and  then  allow 
the  classes  to  have  ten  minutes  for  a  story,  to  be  told 
in  the  classes  by  the  teacher  or  some  member  of  the 
class.  These  stories  should  be  well  prepared  in  ad- 
vance  and   appropriate  to  the  time  and  place.     Some- 


Miscellaneous  Days  203 

times  the  story  may  be  told  from  the  platform  as  a 
feature  of  the  general  exercises,  or  the  two  methods 
may  be  combined.  The  day  simply  gives  an  oppor- 
tunity for  some  sweet  story.     Everybody  likes  a  story. 


RED  LETTER  DAY 

This  day  is  not  confined  to  any  one  idea,  but  simply 
means  a  "  Great "  day  on  which  an  effort  is  made  to  ac- 
complish some  great  thing  in  attendance,  offering,  or 
something  else. 

The  name  of  the  day  suggests  a  striking  way  to  ad- 
vertise by  the  use  of  red  letters,  etc. 


VISITATION  DAY 

On  Visitation  Day  some  regularly  appointed  visitor 
from  another  school  comes  to  visit  yours.  Due  courtesy 
should  be  shown  this  visitor,  and  an  opportunity  given 
him  to  say  a  few  words  to  the  school  and  bring  greetings 
from  the  school  he  represents. 

It  is  customary  in  some  places  to  have  a  regular 
Visitation  Day  when  all  the  schools  of  the  neighborhood, 
so  far  as  possible,  receive  one  visitor  and  send  out  one 
visitor.  These  visitors  later  report  to  their  own  Workers' 
Meeting. 


CANDLE  DAY 
This  may  be  used  as  a  separate  day  or  as  a  novel  way 
of  celebrating  Rally  Day.     The  unique  character  of  the 
service  will  be  shown  by  the  following  write-up  from  the 


204        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Reverend  A.  L.  Grein,  pastor  of  the  Pilgrim  Congrega- 
tional Church,  of  Buffalo,  New  York  : 

"  Rally  Day  was  a  failure  this  year.  It  was  well 
planned  and  looked  as  though  it  must  succeed,  but  a 
beautiful  Saturday  was  followed  by  a  record  breaking 
Sunday  with  the  wind  seeking  a  resting  place  at  the  rate 
of  seventy-two  miles  an  hour,  and  the  rain  descending  in 
sheets.  But  we  had  a  rally  service  just  the  same,  with 
a  survival  of  the  wettest.  A  second  effort  at  a  rally  was 
made  a  few  weeks  later,  though  it  was  not  called  a  rally. 
Invitations  to  all  the  members  of  the  school  were  sent  out 
announcing  a  Candle  Day  Service,  and  on  this  Sunday 
there  were  racks  of  candles  upon  the  platform,  each  shelf 
bearing  the  name  of  the  teacher  and  having  upon  it  a 
candle  for  each  member  of  the  class.  At  roll-call  the 
names  of  the  classes  were  called  and  all  who  were  present 
had  candles  lighted  for  them.  Provision  was  made  for 
visitors'  candles  as  well,  and  soon  the  whole  platform  was 
in  a  blaze  of  Hght.  Only  a  small  percentage  of  the  Sunday- 
school  enrollment  failed  to  be  present.  An  inspirational 
address  was  given  and  Pilgrim  Sunday  School  started  out 
on  its  fall  campaign,  having  had  the  most  successful  rally 
in  its  history." 


HOME  DAY 

The  object  of  Home  Day  is  to  tie  the  home  and  the 
Sunday  school  more  closely  together.  Every  member 
will  endeavor  to  bring  some  one  from  home.  It  gives 
an  opportunity  for  the  home  folks  to  see  what  the  Sun- 
day school  is  doing. 

The  program  could  be  built  around  home  songs,  such 
as,  "  Home,  Sweet  Home."     A  few  words  by  pastor  or 


Miscellaneous  Days  2oC 

superintendent,  urging   close   cooperation   between   the 
home  and  the  school,  would  be  very  profitable. 

The  scholars  who  succeed  in  bringing  somebody  from 
their  home  could  be  recognized  in  some  way. 


DEDICATION  DAY 

There  is  very  little  to  be  obtained  in  ready-made 
Dedicatory  Services  for  a  Sunday-school  building.  Per- 
haps one  reason  for  this  is  that  there  are  so  many  matters 
of  local  interest  entering  into  the  dedication  of  a  building 
that  those  most  interested  prefer  to  prepare  their  own 
exercises.  This  is  indeed  the  wisest  method,  not  only  as 
relates  to  the  dedication  of  a  building  but  in  the  celebra» 
tion  of  any  special  day.  The  more  of  local  interest  that 
can  be  attached  to  a  service,  the  more  enjoyable  and 
helpful  it  will  ordinarily  be. 

It  usually  happens  when  a  building  is  to  be  dedicated 
that  "  the  roots  of  the  matter  "  run  back  to  some  faithful 
worker  who  is  not  now  in  authority  but  who  still  may 
be  living ;  for  example,  many  a  superintendent  starts  the 
plan  for  a  new  building  who  is  not  superintendent  when 
the  building  is  completed.  The  presence  of  such  a  one, 
with  appropriate  participation  in  the  program,  is  de- 
sirable. 

There  may  be  a  double  service :  Let  the  church  meet 
in  the  Sunday-school  room  and  hold  a  dedicatory  serv- 
ice ;  it  is  the  members  of  the  church,  probably,  who  have 
made  the  building  possible.  Then,  at  the  regular  Sun- 
day-school hour,  or  other  convenient  time,  have  the 
school  with  visitors  and  friends,  and  conduct  a  service  a 
little  less  formal  and  more  interesting  probably  to  the 
young  people  and  children. 


2o6         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

The  Dedication  Service  given  below  is  excellent,  yet  a 
little  too  stately  for  use  with  children.  Perhaps  it  would 
make  a  good  feature,  however,  of  a  Dedication  Program, 
and,  as  indicated  at  the  end,  other  features  may  be  added 
in  which  the  children  may  participate.  This  is  taken 
from  "  The  Book  of  Worship  "  of  the  German  Evangelical 
Synod  of  North  America. 


THE  DEDICATION  OF  A  BIBLE  SCHOOL  BUILDING 

Note. — The  Service  of  Dedication,  of  which  the  following 
is  a  part,  may  be  arranged  as  local  conditions  permit  or  require. 
The  accompanying  Scripture  selection  may  be  printed,  and 
read  responsively  by  the  minister  and  congregation. 


The  Act  of  Dedication 

Opening  Sentence  :  O  praise  Jehovah,  all  ye  nations  ; 
laud  Him,  all  ye  peoples.  For  His  loving  kindness  is 
great  towards  us  ;  and  the  truth  of  Jehovah  enduretli  for 
ever.     Praise  ye  Jehovah  (Psalm  cxvii.  I,  2).     Amen. 

Introduction  :  This  building,  erected  by  this  congre- 
gation for  its  Bible  School,  is  a  worthy  effort  to  make  pos- 
sible the  observance  of  the  commands  of  Almighty  God, 
to  teach  His  word  and  to  increase  His  honor.  Hear, 
then,  the  Words  of  our  God  ! 

Scripture  Lesson  :  When  all  Israel  is  come  to  appear 
before  Jehovah  thy  God  in  the  place  which  He  shall 
choose,  thou  shalt  read  this  law  before  all  Israel  in  their 
hearing.  Assemble  the  people,  the  men  and  the  women 
and  the  little  ones,  and  thy  sojourner  that  is  within  thy 
gates,  that  they  may  hear,  and  that  they  may  learn,  and 
fear  Jehovah  your  God,  and  observe  to  do  all  the  words 
of  this  law  (Dcut.  xxxi.  ii,  12). 


Miscellaneous  Days  207 

Come,  ye  children,  hearken  unto  me :  I  will  teach  you 
the  fear  of  Jehovah  (Psalm  xxxiv.  11). 

For  He  established  a  testimony  in  Jacob,  and  appointed 
a  law  in  Israel,  which  He  commanded  our  fathers,  that 
they  should  make  them  known  to  their  children  (Psalm 
Ixxviii.  5). 

Buy  the  truth  and  sell  it  not ;  yea,  wisdom,  and  instruc- 
tion, and  understanding  (Prov.  xxiii.  23). 

Come  ye,  and  let  us  go  up  to  the  mountain  of  Jehovah, 
to  the  house  of  the  God  of  Jacob  ;  and  He  will  teach  us  of 
His  ways,  and  we  will  walk  in  His  paths :  for  out  of  Zion 
shall  go  forth  the  law,  and  the  word  of  Jehovah  from 
Jerusalem  (Isa,  ii.  3). 

Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  shall  go,  and  even  when 
he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it  (Prov.  xxii.  6). 

Thy  word  is  a  lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  light  unto  my 
path  (Psalm  cxix.  105).   • 

The  words  of  the  Lord  are  pure  words  ;  as  silver  tried  in 
a  furnance  on  the  earth,  purified  seven  times  (Psalm  xii.  6). 

The  law  of  Jehovah  is  perfect,  restoring  the  soul :  the 
testimony  of  Jehovah  is  sure,  making  wise  the  simple 
(Psalm  xix.  7). 

Blessed  are  they  that  hear  the  word  of  God,  and  keep 
it  (Luke  xi.  28). 

These  are  written,  that  ye  may  believe  that  Jesus  is 
the  Christ,  the  Son  of  God ;  and  that  believing  ye  may 
have  hfe  in  His  name  (John  xx.  31). 

For  whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime  were 
written  for  our  learning,  that  through  patience  and 
through  comfort  of  the  Scriptures  we  might  have  hope 
(Rom.  XV.  4). 

But  abide  thou  in  the  things  which  thou  hast  learned 
and  hast  been  assured  of,  knowing  of  whom  thou  hast 


2o8        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

learned  them ;  and  that  from  a  babe  thou  hast  known  the 
sacred  writings  which  are  able  to  make  thee  wise  unto 
salvation  through  faith,  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus  (2  Tim. 
iii.  14,  15). 

Every  scripture  inspired  of  God  is  also  profitable  for 
teaching,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  which 
is  in  righteousness  :  that  the  name  of  God  may  be  com- 
plete, furnished  completely  unto  every  good  work 
(2  Tim.  iii.  16,  17). 

Give  diligence  to  present  thyself  approved  unto  God, 
a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,  handling 
aright  the  word  of  truth  (2  Tim.  ii.  15). 

Thy  testimonies  are  very  sure  :  Holiness  becometh  thy 
house,  O  Jehovah,  for  evermore  (Psalm  xciii.  5). 

Minister  :  These  are  the  words  of  testimony  concern- 
ing this  Bible  School  Building.  Let  us  now  approach 
the  God  of  our  salvation  with  pure  hearts  and  clean 
hands  to  dedicate  it  to  His  service. 

Prayer  of  Dedication  :  Our  Father  in  Heaven,  author 
of  wisdom,  source  of  all  hght,  we  dedicate  this  building 
to  Thee  as  a  habitation  of  Thy  glory,  and  a  school 
wherein  Thy  word  shall  be  taught.  Set  it  apart  as  a 
house  of  worship,  as  a  place  of  learning,  and  as  a  refuge 
to  all  who  enter  here.  Fill  it,  we  pray  Thee,  with  Thy 
glory  and  truth.  Grant  that  young  and  old  may  here 
receive  visions  of  Thee  and  come  to  the  knowledge  of 
the  saving  truth. 

We  dedicate  this  building  to  Thee,  O  Christ,  our 
Saviour  and  Teacher,  as  Thy  meeting  place  with  man  for 
instruction  and  comfort.  May  all  who  enter  here  be 
endued  with  Thy  knowledge  to  know  Thy  will,  and  may 
we  through  the  indwelling  of  Thy  spirit  be  doers  of  the 
Word  and  not  hearers  only.     Vouchsafe  unto  those  who 


Miscellaneous  Days  209 

shall  teach  in  Thy  name  such  strength  and  guidance  that 
they  may  lead  many  to  Thee  and  develop  their  character 
into  the  fullness  of  Thy  stature.  Graciously  make  of  this 
building  Thy  armory  of  truth,  righteousness,  holiness  and 
peace. 

We  dedicate  this  building  to  Thee,  O  Holy  Spirit,  in 
order  that  in  it  might  be  worked  Thy  righteous  judgment 
and  chastisement,  inteUigent  understanding  and  discern- 
ment, heartfelt  repentance  and  true  faith  in  Christ  Jesus. 
We  pray  Thee,  abound  richly  in  all  services  and  sessions, 
and  make  of  this  building  an  entrance  into  Heaven, 
where  perfect  knowledge  and  truth  shall  be  our  portion. 

And  all  praise,  and  honor,  and  glory,  be  to  Thee,  O 
Triune  God,  from  the  lips  of  all  who  shall  evermore  gather 
here.     Amen. 

(Then  shall  follow  such  services  as  may  be  required  or 
desired.) 


LORD'S  DAY  SUNDAY 
On  this  day  the  Fourth  Commandment  is  emphasized. 
If  possible,  secure  a  representative  from  the  Lord's  Day 
Alliance,  which  is  represented  in  both  the  United  States 
and  Canada,  and  have  him  speak  before  the  school.  If  a 
speaker  cannot  be  secured,  literature  may  be  obtained 
from  the  Alliance,  203  Broadway,  New  York  City, 
which  can  be  used  to  advantage  in  preparing  a  program. 
Specially  prepared  exercises,  exceedingly  interesting  and 
attractive,  may  also  be  obtained  from  the  Alliance. 

It  would  be  altogether  worthy  of  the  full  time  of  the 
opening  service  to  lay  this  matter  upon  the  hearts  of  the 
scholars.  Our  American  people  are  drifting  away  from 
regular  Sabbath  observance,  and  they  need  to  be  reminded 


210         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

in  a  forceful  way  of  this  great  danger  not  only  to  them- 
selves individually  but  to  the  nation. 

The  following  responsive  Scripture  reading  is  taken 
from  "  Selected  Services  for  the  Sunday  School/'  pub- 
lished by  the  World  Sunday  School  Publishing  Com- 
pany, Detroit,  Michigan.  It  would  make  an  appropriate 
opening  exercise. 

Leader — Remember  the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy. 
School — Six  days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all  thy  work ;  but  the 

seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God. 
Leader — In  it  thou  shalt  not  do  any  work : 
School — Thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter  ; 
Leader — Thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor  thy  cattle  ; 
School — Nor  the  stranger  that  is  within  thy  gates : 
Leader — For  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth,  the 
sea  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  rested  the  seventh  day  : 
School — Wherefore  the  Lord  blessed  the  Sabbath  day,  and  hal- 
lowed it. 
Leader — Ye  shall  keep  the  Sabbath,  therefore,  for  it  is  holy  unto 

you. 
School — Keep  the  Sabbath  day  to  sanctify  it. 
Leader — Thus  saith  the  Lord,  Hallow  ye  the  Sabbath. 
School — This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made ;  we  will 

rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it. 
Leader — The  Sabbath  was  made  for  man,  and  not  man  for  the 

Sabbath. 
School — Therefore  the  Son  of  Man  is  Lord  also  of  the  Sabbath. 
Leader — Blessed  is  the  man  that  keepeth  the  Sabbath  from  pol- 
luting it,  and  keepeth  his  hand  from  doing  any  evil. 
School — From  one  Sabbath  to  another  shall  all  flesh  come  to 

worship  before  Me,  saith  the  Lord. 
Leader — Ye  shall  keep  my  Sabbaths  and  reverence  my  sanctuary  ; 

I  am  the  Lord. 
School — If  thou  turn  away  from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy 
day;  and  call  the  Sabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the 


Miscellaneous  Days  211 

Lord,  honorable ;  and  shalt  honor  Him,  not  doing  thine 
own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own  pleasure,  nor  speak- 
ing thine  own  words ;  Then  shalt  thou  delight  thyself 
in  the  Lord ;  and  I  will  cause  thee  to  ride  upon  the 
high  places  of  the  earth  and  feed  upon  the  heritage 
of  Jacob  thy  father ;  for  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath 
spoken  it. 

Leader — Those  that  be  planted  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  shall 
flourish  in  the  courts  of  our  God. 

School — O  Lord,  open  Thou  my  lips  and  my  mouth  shall  show 
forth  Thy  praise. 


BIRD  SUNDAY 

Children  are  very  fond  of  birds ;  indeed,  everybody  is. 
Bird  Sunday  consists  in  bringing  to  the  church  building 
a  number  of  canaries  in  their  cages.  These  are  hung  in 
suitable  places  around  the  room.  It  is  wonderful  how 
many  birds  can  be  singing  in  a  room  at  a  time  without 
interfering  with  the  hearing  of  what  is  going  on. 

In  one  school  where  a  good  deal  is  made  of  Bird  Sun- 
day, especially  in  the  Primary  Department,  every  child 
who  has  brought  a  bird  has  a  verse  to  say  about  birds. 
There  are  many  such  verses  to  be  found,  and  many  beau- 
tiful bird  songs.  The  teacher  then  gives  a  talk  about 
birds,  teaching  the  children  to  be  good  to  them,  not  to 
rob  their  nests  but  rather  to  provide  good  nesting  places, 
and  to  cultivate  the  acquaintance  of  these  feathered 
singers. 


GOVERNORS'  DAY 
On  this  day,  the  opinions  of  various  governors  as  to 
the  value  of  the  Sunday  school  in  a  general  way,  and 


2 1 2        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

to  themselves  in  particular,  are  read  for  the  encourage- 
ment especially  of  the  young  people  who  may  be  inclined 
to  place  too  low  a  value  upon  the  Sunday  school  as  an 
institution. 

Of  course,  this  requires  correspondence  in  advance. 
Mr.  Elbert  Beeman,  Chicago,  secretary  of  the  Cook 
County  Sunday  School  Association,  gathered  recently 
some  splendid  testimonials  of  this  sort  from  a  large  num- 
ber of  governors.  These  testimonials,  and  others  from 
prominent  business  men,  were  printed  in  a  little  booklet 
and  given  out  discriminately,  especially  among  the  teen 
age  boys.  These  testimonials  were  not  gathered  for  a 
Governors'  Day  in  the  Sunday  school,  but  they  can  be 
readily  used  in  this  way,  and  a  number  of  them  are  given 
below.  They  were  gathered  in  the  summer  and  fall  of 
1915. 

Hon.  Richard  I.  Manningy  Governor  of  South  Carolina  — 

**  The  Sunday  school,  in  my  opinion,  is  one  of  the  greatest 
agencies  for  good,  and  should  be  encouraged  at  all  times  and  in  all 
places." 

Hon.  Earl  Brewer,  Governor  of  Mississippi — 

"  I  take  pleasure  in  stating  that  I  attended  Sunday  school 
as  a  boy,  and  I  regard  it  as  one  of  the  best  influences  in  connection 
with  church  work.     In  fact,  nothing  can  take  its  place." 

Hon.  Winfield  S.  Hammond,  Governor  of  Minnesota — 

**  In  the  Sunday  school  the  foundation  is  laid.  The  better 
the  Sunday  school,  the  better  the  citizens  of  to-morrow." 

Hon.  Locke  Craig,  Governor  of  North  Carolina — 

**  The  Sunday  school  is  one  of  our  most  useful  institutions. 
It  exercises  a  beneficent  influence  over  the  young." 


Miscellaneous  Days  213 

Hon,  M.  G.  Brumbaughy  Governor  of  Pennsylvania — 

"  I  owe  much  to  the  Sunday  school.  It  has  pointed  my 
course  for  me  and  my  life  has  been  better — vastly  so — for  its  blessed 
teachings." 

Hon,  Emanual  L,  Philipp,  Gover?ior  of  Wisconsin — 

"  There  comes  a  time  in  every  young  person's  life  when 
he  must  choose  between  right  and  wrong  and  decide  for  himself 
which  road  he  will  follow,  and  his  success  in  the  world  will  depend 
upon  the  course  that  he  takes.  The  path  of  wrong  is  made  at- 
tractive and  looks  like  an  easy  life  as  compared  with  the  path  of 
right.  It  is  at  this  time  in  the  young  person's  life  that  the  moral 
lessons  taught  in  the  Sunday  school  and  at  home,  or  wherever  we 
may  have  received  them,  are  of  great  value.  I  have  no  hesitancy 
in  saying  that  the  Sunday  school  is  a  benefit  to  all  who  attend  it 
and  that  I,  in  common  with  others  who  are  wilHng  to  be  told  how 
to  live,  receive  a  lasting  benefit  from  it." 

Hon.  H.  C.  Stuarty  Governor  of  Firginia — 

"  Nothing  to  my  mind  can  take  the  place  of  Sunday  schools 
and  nothing  in  the  lives  of  our  people  could  atone  for  their  loss." 

Hon.  Park  Tramme//,  Governor  of  Florida — 

"I  feel  that  I  was  greatly  benefited  through  having  at- 
tended Sunday  school  as  a  boy,  and  since  I  have  reached  manhood 
I  still  find  it  very  pleasant,  as  well  as  beneficial,  to  be  present  at 
Sunday  school  on  each  Sunday." 

Hon.  Emmett  D.  Bayle,  Governor  of  Nevada — 

"  I  attended  Sunday  school  and  Hke  most  American  men 
who  have  had  this  privilege  I  can  trace  many  beneficial  habits  of 
thought  and  life  to  it." 

Hon.  George  W.  Hays,  Governor  of  Arkansas — ■ 

**  I  am  a  strong  believer  in  Sunday  schools.  I  am  sure 
that  the  influence  of  the  Sunday  schools  has  had  a  great  deal  to  do 
with  the  shaping  of  my  life  as  well  as  many,  many  other  boys  for 
better  manhood  and  citizenship." 


214        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Hon,  George  W.  P.  Hunt,  Governor  of  Arizona — 

"  I  am  sure  that  the  tendencies  which  I  acquired  through 
my  boyhood's  Sunday-school  associations  were  potent  and  far- 
reaching." 

Hon,  Marcus  H,  Holcomb,  Governor  of  Connecticut — 

"  I  was  not  only  a  member  of  a  Sunday  school  when  I  was 
a  boy,  but  have  been  superintendent  of  a  Sunday  school  for  the  past 
twenty-five  years.  The  extent  of  its  influence  upon  my  life  I 
should  be  unable  to  determine." 

Hon,  Frank  B.  Willis,  Governor  of  Ohio — 

"  I  distinctly  recall  many  experiences  that  came  to  me  when 
I  was  attending  Sunday  school  in  the  little  country  schoolhouse. 
The  influence  which  came  to  me  through  attendance  on  the  country 
Sunday  school  was  of  much  value  in  my  after  life." 

Hon.  Arthur  Capper,  Governor  of  Kansas — 

"  The  Sunday  school  is  one  of  the  greatest  character-build- 
ing influences  we  have  and  I  think  every  boy  and  girl  should  be  a 
member  of  some  Sunday  school  and  participate  in  its  activities." 

Hon.  E.  W.  Major,  Governor  of  Missouri — 

"  I  attended  Sunday  school  when  a  boy,  and  during  that 
time  it  was  my  pleasure  to  read  both  the  New  and  Old  Testaments 
through  twice." 

Hon.  R.  L.  Lihtam,  Governor  of  Oklahoma — 

"  The  Sunday  school  had  much  to  do  with  setting  me  in 
the  right  current  of  life.  It  made  me  proud  and  to  appreciate  the 
high  things  of  life.  It  helped  kindle  the  flames  of  ambition  and  it 
helped  push  me  up  the  hill,  so  far  up  that  when  I  got  up  I  could 
fight  to  stay  up." 

Hon.  P.  Goldsborough,  Governor  of  Maryland — 

"  The  Sunday  school  has  been  a  potent  power  for  good  in 
my  life,  as  it  is  in  the  life  of  all  who  attend  such  schools.  The 
teachings  there  received  lay  a  strong  foundation  for  character,  which, 
of  course,  is  the  sheet  anchor  of  life." 


XV 

EVANGELISTIC  DAYS 

DECISION  DAY 

(JVitnessing  Day — Acknozvledgment  Day — Declaration  Day — 

Confession  Day — Enlistment  Day — Registration  Day — 

Testimony  Day) 

The  investment  of  time,  effort,  and  money  in  the  build- 
ing of  character  is  surely  a  paying  business.  This  is  what 
the  church  is  doing  through  the  Sunday  school,  by  lead- 
ing boys  and  girls  and  young  people  through  the  study 
of  God's  Word  to  surrender  their  lives  to  Jesus  Christ. 
This  world  can  never  be  won  for  God  by  winning  men 
and  women  alone.  The  children  and  youth  must  be 
won  or  the  case  is  hopeless.  Childhood  is  the  easiest 
and  most  favorable  time  for  soul  winning.  More  than 
half,  probably  nearer  three-fourths,  of  the  additions 
to  the  churches  in  North  America  by  conversion  come 
through  the  Sunday  schools.  Childhood  is  the  best  time 
to  begin  the  Christian  life  because  it  affords  a  longer 
period  of  Christian  service.  The  Sunday  school  is  the 
whitest  part  of  the  Church's  great  white  field  and  its  best 
evangelizing  agency. 

The  New  Meaning.  When  Decision  Day  first  came 
to  be  observed  it  was  regarded  as  a  day  upon  which 
special  efforts  were  to  be  made  in  the  classes  or  in  cer- 
tain departments  to  secure  decisions  for  Jesus  Christ. 
Now,  however,  it  is  coming  to  be  recognized  more  and 
more  as  a  time  when  decisions  that  have  been  previously 
made  shall  be  for  the  first  time  declared  in  pubhc.     The 

215 


2i6        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

reason  for  this  is,  that  the  best  time  to  secure  decisions 
is  when  you  can  have  each  scholar  by  himself  rather 
than  in  the  presence  of  others  in  the  class  or  in  the 
school.  This  is  the  normal  and  by  far  the  better  way, 
because  of  the  disturbing  and  often  distracting  influences 
that  are  inevitable  if  you  seek  to  do  this  delicate  work  in 
the  presence  of  others  who  may  not  be  heartily  in  sym- 
pathy with  what  is  being  done.  Nevertheless,  many 
decisions  are  made  on  Decision  Day,  and  if  there  were 
no  results  aside  from  these,  it  would  be  well  worth  while. 
Of  course,  decisions  may  be  made  for  Christ  at  any  time 
and  anywhere,  in  the  crowd  or  alone. 

We  often  hear  it  stated  that  every  day  should  be 
Decision  Day,  and  this,  of  course,  is  true  in  a  way.  Like- 
wise, every  day  should  be  Thanksgiving  Day,  but  this  is 
no  reason  why  a  special  day  should  not  be  set  aside  for 
this  purpose. 

The  Time.  As  to  the  time  of  observing  Decision 
Day,  each  school  should  be  allowed  to  determine  that. 
Formerly,  a  day  was  set  for  its  observance  throughout  a 
large  field,  such  as  a  state  or  county.  There  are  advan- 
tages in  this  under  some  circumstances,  if  schools  are 
given  to  understand  that  if  conditions  are  not  right  with 
them  they  should  observe  some  other  day.  Some  schools 
observe  the  day  at  Easter,  some  on  Children's  Day,  and 
others  have  Decision  Days  several  times  during  the  year. 
There  is  no  objection  to  this,  indeed  it  is  desirable  when 
local  conditions  seem  right  for  it.  It  is  often  very  effect- 
ive to  observe  the  day  in  departments  rather  than  in  the 
whole  school. 

It  ought  to  be  the  definite  purpose  of  every  Sunday 
school  to  lead  all  of  its  scholars  into  the  Christian  life, 
and  then  develop  them  in  Christian  service.     We  are  all 


Evangelistic  Days  217 

familiar  with  the  figure  used  in  the  Gospels,  wherein  the 
Word  of  God  is  called  good  seed.  We  are  sowing  this 
good  seed  in  various  kinds  of  soil.  It  goes  without  say- 
ing that  the  faithful  sowing  of  good  seed  must  bring  a 
harvest.  In  nature  there  is  always  a  time  for  harvest.  It 
is  possible  to  harvest  the  wheat  too  soon,  or  to  let  it 
stand  too  long.  While  it  is  true  that  any  soul  can  come 
to  Christ  at  any  time,  there  is  a  best  time  for  harvesting, 
even  in  Christian  work.  We  may  not  always  know  when 
that  time  is,  but  the  Holy  Spirit  knows,  and  He  will 
guide  us  if  we  are  ready  to  be  guided.  There  are  many 
leaflets  on  Decision  Day,  and  it  would  be  well  to  procure 
some  of  these  and  place  them  in  the  hands  of  the  workers. 
Prayerful  Preparation.  Decision  Day  should  not  be 
announced  in  the  Sunday  school  in  advance.  The 
teachers  and  workers  should  know  about  it,  of  course, 
and  there  should  be  several  weeks — at  least  a  month, 
possibly  two  months — of  definite,  prayerful  preparation 
for  the  day.  During  this  time  the  teachers  should  be 
seeking  interviews  with  their  scholars,  and  earnestly  try- 
ing to  lead  to  decisions  any  who  have  not  already  de- 
cided. During  these  weeks  of  preparation  the  teachers 
should  come  together  frequently  with  the  pastor  and 
superintendent  for  seasons  of  prayer,  and  instruction  in 
the  matter  of  dealing  with  souls  on  this  important  sub- 
ject. The  sense  of  responsibihty  cannot  be  laid  upon 
the  hearts  of  the  teachers  too  heavily.  The  chief  stress 
should  be  with  the  teachers  of  the  Junior  Department 
and  the  Secondary  Division.  The  following  diagram 
reveals  a  remarkable  condition.  It  will  be  observed  by 
studying  this  chart  that  the  age  of  sixteen  is  the  time 
at  which  the  largest  number  make  an  open  confession. 
The   next   largest   number  come   at    nineteen,  and  the 


2l8         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

next  at  twelve.  After  reaching  the  twenty-fifth  year, 
however,  it  seems  like  passing  the  dead  line.  Compara- 
tively few  people  confess  Christ  after  they  are  twenty- 
five  years  of  age.  We  are  told  that  seventy-one  per 
cent,  of  all  conversions  take  place  before  twenty  years  of 
age,  and  that  ninety-six  per  cent,  take  place  before  twenty- 
five  years  of  age.  This  chart  should  awe  the  teachers 
and  workers  into  a  keen  sense  of  their  responsibility. 


^     /r 

-.1       1        1        1       1        1       1       1        1        1       1        1        1       1,- 

^        n                                              3^            - 

"     "              DIAGRAM 

Showing  Percentage  of  Conversions  .  _ 

rt         \a                                                     1-^ 

in  each  Year  of  A^e  from  6  to  36    - 

^                                    H^           t       Vl\ 

^     /'                           ^l       ^            \t\ 

_  7-     \l(an                                   ■  — 

^      Is                         t      ^ 

\       Average  A^e  oj  Conversion 

S  K            t 

'"=^"                 16.4  Years 

Vi  1  1  1  1  1  1 -^  - 

P^    1            y^  ^^ 

"   -V\ 

s  '^                 -   ' 

^"^^ 

^~*  \  *  r- 

"^^  ^  ^-^  ^^  ^^  ^ 

ACB             6       7      8      9      10     II      12      13     14      15     16     17      IB     19 

20    21     22    23    24     25    25    27     28    29    30    31     32    33    34    35    36| 

CtWVERSIOIlS      1       5       7      9      6      7      23    15     18     20    34    ?5    18     25 

15     13     5      8      4      3      3      1       3              1              1              1               1   | 

PERCEJITACE     4      18    ^5    33     L2    25    84    55    66    74    125   32    66    92 

55  46    18    29    15    11     1  1     .4      11              4              4      ,       .4            T] 

PVB..,«.  „   -c«, .  «->»  ,««  ««<.««  «..»«,..,..  . 

o^.   „,™»co.  ...                 cc^.--.     ..«.     ..  .*r«.-..0  »-« 

As  Decision  Day  approaches,  it  is  well  for  the  teacher 
to  urge  the  scholars  to  make  public  confession  of  their 
new-found  faith  at  every  opportunity,  making  no  refer- 
ence, however,  to  Decision  Day. 

The  Session.  When  Decision  Day  arrives,  let  the 
school  be  opened  in  much  the  usual  way,  using  familiar 
hymns,  mostly  of  the  invitation  character.  Have  more 
prayer  than  usual,  and  eliminate  from  the  program 
everything  that  would  tend  to  attract  attention  from 
the  main  thing  before  you.  This  would  reduce  an- 
nouncements to  the  minimum,  eliminate  reports,  etc. 
Some  schools  allow  the  teachers  to  do  the  work  in  the 
classes,  while  other  schools  prefer  to  do  the  work  from 


Evangelistic  Days  219 

the  platform.  Both  methods  have  their  advantages  and 
their  disadvantages.  Perhaps  it  is  well  to  do  one  way- 
one  time  and  another  way  another  time.  Do  not  allow 
any  spirit  of  sadness  or  depression  to  enter  into  the  serv- 
ice. It  should  be  full  of  joy— cheerful,  not  light.  If 
the  pastor,  or  superintendent,  speaks  on  the  subject 
from  the  platform,  he  should  state,  just  as  if  it  had  not 
been  definitely  planned,  that  he  is  greatly  interested  in 
the  welfare  of  the  whole  school,  and  yearning  in  his 
heart  that  all  may  know  Christ.  Then,  as  an  object- 
lesson  to  those  who  have  not  begun  the  Christian  life, 
he  might  ask  for  testimonies  from  those  who  are  Chris- 
tians. Here  is  an  opportunity  for  the  beginners  to  make 
a  start.  There  should  be  no  long  testimonies.  Those 
who  are  in  the  habit  of  speaking  at  some  length  on  such 
occasions  should  be  asked  not  to  say  more  than  a  sen- 
tence or  two.  This  will  encourage  the  timid  scholars  to 
give  their  initial  testimony.  Only  the  highest  motives 
should  be  used  in  securing  decisions.  It  is  altogether 
unworthy  of  the  great  work  in  which  we  are  interested 
to  say  to  Charlie  that  he  ought  to  confess  Christ  to-day 
because  James  does,  or  to  place  church  membership  in 
importance  above  the  surrender  of  the  heart.  The  one 
thing  every  soul  needs  to  do  is  to  accept  Jesus  Christ  as 
his  Saviour  and  gradually  come  to  know  Him  and  serve 
Him  until  he  adores  Him.  The  Church  of  our  day  needs 
nothing  more  than  a  vivid  consciousness  of  the  adorable- 
ness  of  Jesus  Christ.  Let  everybody  who  speaks  be  joy- 
ous in  his  testimony. 

Then,  if  the  teachers  have  a  little  time  with  their 
classes  after  the  public  testimonies,  others  may  be  asked 
if  they  are  ready  to  accept  Christ.  Some  will  make  ob- 
jections of  one  kind  or  another.     The  teacher  should  be 


220        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

prepared  to  meet  these  objections ;  they  can  be  easily 
foreseen  for  the  most  part  and  prepared  for.  The  teacher 
should  be  supphed  with  a  little  Declaration  Card,  or  Ac- 
knowledgment Card,  and  everybody  asked  to  sign  it  who 
is  ready  to  make  a  public  confession  of  Christ.  Above 
all,  and  under  all,  and  throughout  all,  let  prayer  prevail 
and  large  faith. 

The  Bible.  In  dealing  with  souls  in  the  class  or  any 
other  place,  the  Bible  should  always  be  used.  God  has 
promised  to  bless  His  Word.  If  you  wish  to  convince 
one  that  he  is  sinful  and  needs  a  Saviour,  turn  to 
Romans  iii.  23  and  read  it  to  him,  or  better  still,  let  him 
read  it  himself.  If  you  want  to  show  him  the  result  of 
sin,  turn  to  Romans  vi.  23.  When  trying  to  impress 
upon  him  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  way  of  escape 
from  his  sin,  turn  to  Acts  iv.  12.  These  illustrations  are 
given  simply  to  show  how  to  use  the  Bible. 

Decision  Day  the  Beginning,  It  should  be  remem- 
bered that  Decision  Day  is  only  the  beginning.  It  is  the 
enlistment  in  the  Lord's  army.  Good  soldiers  need  much 
training.  The  really  important  work  comes  in  training 
these  young  people  so  that  they  will  know  how  to  live 
day  by  day  amid  the  temptations  that  will  surround 
them,  and  to  do  definite  Christian  work.  It  is  well  to 
put  into  the  hands  of  the  scholars  simple  leaflets,  ex- 
plaining some  of  the  temptations  they  will  meet  and 
teUing  how  to  meet  them.  The  reason  why  the  Sun- 
day morning  church  service  is  larger  than  the  mid-week 
prayer-meeting  can  be  explained  for  the  most  part  by 
the  fact  that  the  new  converts  have  not  been  taken  care 
of,  and  have  fallen  away.  They  need  counsel  and  guid- 
ance, and  here  is  the  Church's  greatest  responsibility  and 
the  place  where  she  too  often  fails. 


Evangelistic  Days  221 

A  very  choice  Decision  Day  service  has  been  pre- 
pared by  Mr.  E.  C.  Knapp,  general  secretary  of  the 
Sunday  School  Association,  Spokane,  Washington.  The 
service  is  sold  at  fifty  cents  per  hundred,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows : 

A  DECISION  DAY  SERVICE 

Prelude.     (School  quiet.) 

Leader — Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth  while 
the  evil  days  come  not,  nor  the  years  draw  nigh,  when  thou 
shalt  say,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  them. 

6'c>^(70/— Seek  ye  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found,  call  ye  upon  him 
while  he  is  near. 

Hymn — (Rise  when  music  begins)  "  Saviour,  Like  a  Shepherd 
lead  us." 

(School  seated.) 

Leader — All  we  like  sheep  have  gone  astray  ;  we  have  turned  every 
one  to  his  own  way  ;  and  the  Lord  hath  laid  on  him  the  iniquity 
of  us  all. 

School— Wt  was  oppressed,  and  he  was  afflicted,  yet  he  opened  not 
his  mouth ;  he  is  brought  as  a  lamb  to  the  slaughter,  and  as  a 
sheep  before  her  shearers  is  dumb,  so  he  openeth  not  his  mouth. 

Leader — He  is  despised  and  rejected  of  men  ;  a  man  of  sorrows  and 
acquainted  with  grief;  and  we  hid  as  it  were  our  faces  from 
him ;  he  was  despised  and  we  esteemed  him  not. 

School— %vixt\y  he  hath  borne  our  griefs  and  carried  our  sorrows. 

Leader — This  is  a  faithful  saying  and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that 
Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners. 

School— Vw  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten 
son  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish  but  have 
everlasting  life. 

Hymn — (Remain  seated)  '<  My  Jesus,  I  Love  Thee."     Stanzas  i,  2. 

Unison  Petition — Have  mercy  upon  me,  O  God,  according  to  thy 
loving  kindness  ;  according  unto  the  multitude  of  thy  tender 
mercies  blot  out  my  transgressions.  Wash  me  throughly  from 
mine  iniquity,  and  cleanse  me  from  my  sin.  For  I  acknowledge 
my  transgressions  :  and  my  sin  is  ever  before  me.  Create  in  me 
a  clean  heart,  O  God ;  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 
Cast  me  not  away  from  thy  presence  ;  and  take  not  thy  Holy 
Spirit  from  me.  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation ;  and 
uphold  me  with  thy  free  spirit. 


222         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Hymn — "  Nearer,  My  God,  to  Thee."     First  stanza. 

Prayer  and  Lord's  Prayer, 

Remarks  by  Pastor  or  Superintendent. 

Leader — There  is  none  righteous,  no  not  one. 

School— Vfnx  all  have  sinned  and  come  short  of  the  glory  of  God. 

Leader — If  we  say  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  ourselves. 

^<;/^<7&/— Whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law  and  yet  offend  in  one 

point  is  guilty  of  all. 
Leader — Choose  you  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve  j  as  for  me  and  my 

house,  we  will  serve  the  Lord. 
School— Va'^  Lord  our  Qod  will  we  serve  and  his  voice  will  we  obey. 
Hymn — ♦*  Just  as  I  Am,  Without  One  Plea."     Stanzas  i,  2,  3. 

MY  CONFESSION 

Whosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before  men,  him  will  I 
confess  also  before  my  father  which  is  in  heaven. 

In  order  that  your  Pastor  or  Superintendent  may  know  how 
many  are  trying  to  live  a  Christian  life,  will  you  kindly  fill  out 
the  following  and  hand  to  your  teacher  — 

1.  Are  you  trying  to  live  a  Christian  life  ? 

2.  If  not,  will  you  try  from  this  day  forth  to  live  a  Christian 
life? 

3.  Are  you  a  member  of  the  church  ? 

4.  If  not,  when  would  you  like  to  unite  with  the  church  ? 

5.  Would  you  like  some  special  instruction  as  to  what  it 
means  to  be  a  Christian,  or  what  it  means  to  become  a  member 
of  the  church  ? 


Name  . 
Address 


Lesson  Study  by  Classes. 

Closing  Hymn—**  All  Hail  the  Power  of  Jesus'  Name." 

Leader— IXxQ  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee  :  the   Lord  make  his 

face   shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee  :  the  Lord  lift 

up  his  countenance  upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace. 
School— WiA  Lord  watch  between  me  and  thee,  when  we  are  absent 

one  from  another. 
All— Let  the  words  of  my  mouth,  and  the  meditation  of  my  heart,  be 

acceptable  in  thy  sight,  0  Lord,  my  Strength  and  my  Redeemer. 


Evangelistic  Days  223 

A  Sunday  School  Creed  on  Evangelism.  The  fol- 
lowing is  a  good  Creed  for  a  Sunday-school  worker.  It 
was  suggested  by  Dr.  George  W.  Bailey  of  Philadelphia : 

1 .  I  believe  in  the  transforming  power  of  the  Word  of  God. 

2.  I  believe  in  early  regeneration  in  answer  to  faithful  prayer 
on  the  part  of  parents  and  teachers. 

3.  I  believe  every  unconverted  scholar  of  suitable  age  is  a  can- 
didate for  salvation,  or  at  least  offers  a  splendid  opportunity  for  the 
teacher  to  tell  sufficient  of  the  "  Old,  Old  Story  "  to  awaken  an 
interest  in  the  Son  of  God  who  gave  Himself  for  us. 

4.  I  believe  that  a  converted  scholar  is  in  far  better  position  to 
study  the  Word  of  God  than  one  who  has  not  been  converted,  for 
spiritual  things  must  be  spiritually  discerned. 

5.  I  believe  the  critical  period  in  the  child's  life  is  between  the 
ages  of  twelve  and  sixteen,  and  that  in  four  cases  out  of  five  their 
destiny  is  determined  before  reaching  their  seventeenth  year. 

6.  I  believe  it  costs  much  less  time  and  effort  to  win  a  child 
than  an  adult,  and  furthermore,  all  things  being  equal,  a  lad  con- 
verted at  ten  is  worth  to  the  Kingdom  more  than  ten  men  con- 
verted at  fifty. 

7.  1  believe,  in  view  of  the  above,  that  God  will  hold  me 
responsible,  to  the  extent  of  my  ability,  for  the  salvation  of  the  boys 
and  girls  and  all  others  who  come  under  my  influence. 


ANNIVERSARY  OF  DECISION  DAY 
This  is  intended  to  call  attention  to  Decision  Day.  It 
should  not  be  held  on  a  Decision  Day,  however,  but  near 
that  day.  It  is  for  the  purpose  of  having  those  scholars, 
especially  the  boys  and  girls  who  have  joined  the  church 
during  the  year,  make  any  public  testimony  or  statement 
they  are  willing  to  make  before  the  school.  There  should 
be  no  formality,  and  the  scholars  should  be  permitted 


224        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

to  say  just  what  they  want  to  say,  no  undue  pressure 
being  placed  upon  them.  It  is  the  custom  in  some 
churches  to  set  apart  some  church  officer  to  be  a  sort 
of  sponsor  for  the  class  joining  on  a  given  day,  or  for  all 
the  classes  of  the  year.  These  sponsors  could  report  for 
their  classes. 

The  whole  service,  if  properly  conducted,  would  tend 
to  magnify  the  matter  of  decisions  in  a  way  that  would 
leave  a  deep  impression  upon  the  school. 


FORWARD  STEP  DAY 

(  Upward  Step  Day) 

A  Day  for  All.  Forward  Step  Day,  though  com- 
paratively new,  is  growing  in  favor.  It  has  distinct 
advantages  over  Decision  Day,  in  that  it  does  not  relate 
to  decisions  only,  but  to  any  Forward  Step.  On  this 
account,  the  officers  and  teachers  and  all  who  are  already 
Christians  may  participate  just  the  same  as  the  others. 
The  purpose  of  the  day  is  not  only  to  secure  decisions 
for  Christ  but  the  taking  of  any  Forward  Step  looking 
towards  the  deepening  of  the  Christian  hfe,  the  forsaking 
of  particular  sins  or  questionable  practices,  or  the  taking 
up  of  any  special  service. 

Prayer  and  Personal  Work  Essential.  Preparations 
for  this  day  should  be  made  far  in  advance,  just  as 
for  Decision  Day,  and  very  much  in  the  same  manner. 
The  results  depend  almost  wholly  upon  the  amount 
of  earnest  prayer  and  personal  work  that  have  pre- 
ceded it. 

Taking  the  Step.  At  the  proper  time,  a  blank  card, 
perhaps  three  by  five  inches  in  size,  and  a  pencil,  are 


Evangelistic  Days  225 

placed  in  the  hands  of  every  person  p:esent.  All  are 
asked — and  this  includes  pastor,  superintendent,  officers, 
teachers,  everybody — to  write  their  name  at  the  top  of 
the  card,  indicating  the  class  also  in  the  case  of  scholars. 
Then  there  should  be,  perhaps,  a  very  brief  talk  leading 
up  to  a  decision  of  some  sort.  The  leader  might  ask 
"  What  is  my  Forward  Step  ?  "  or  "  What  am  I  purpos- 
ing to  do  this  next  year  in  a  Christian  way  in  addition  to 
what  I  did  last  year?"  Of  course,  it  should  be  made 
plain  that  for  those  who  have  not  accepted  Christ  this  is 
the  one  supreme  step  they  should  take. 

Answers  Afford  Opportunity  of  Approach.  If  proper 
preparation  has  been  made,  and  the  meeting  so  conducted 
that  the  right  spirit  prevails,  answers  something  like  these 
will  be  found  : 

**  I  want  to  be  a  Christian." 

"  I  want  to  join  the  Church." 

"  I  want  to  give  my  heart  to  Christ/* 

"  I  want  to  live  a  better  life." 

Of  course,  these  answers  all  mean  practically  the  same 
thing,  but  they  give  to  the  pastor  or  teacher  just  the  op- 
portunity needed  to  approach  that  life  and  seek  to  bring 
about  the  final  decision,  if  it  has  not  already  been  made. 
Some  definite  decisions  will  be  made  and  indicated  on 
the  cards.  It  may  be  well  at  the  close  of  the  meeting  to 
ask  if  there  are  any  who  have  decided  that  day ;  if  so,  to 
make  it  known.  Do  not  ask  them  to  rise  in  a  body,  but 
make  it  a  httle  more  difficult,  and  ask  them  to  get  up, 
singly,  and  make  a  very  brief  statement.  Among  the 
cards  of  those  who  are  professing  Christians,  and  even 
among  the  workers,  surprising  answers  will  be  found. 
Some  that  have  been  actually  given  are : 


226        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

"  I  mean  to  give  up  cigarettes." 

"  I  shall  stop  reading  some  of  the  things  I  have  been 

reading." 
**  Have  been  drinking  a  little,  but  by  God's  help,  it 

must  stop." 
*'  I  mean  to  pray  more  for  my  scholars." 
"  I  mean  to  start  a  family  altar." 
**  God  helping  me,  I  will  live  a  pure  life  hereafter." 

One  Forward  Step  Service.  Mr.  William  A.  Peter- 
son, of  Chicago,  thus  describes  Forward  Step  Day  in  the 
school  of  which  he  is  superintendent : 

"  For  several  months  the  teachers  and  officers  of  the 
main  department  of  the  school  had  been  much  in  prayer 
for  the  session  as  carried  through  January  3,  191 5.  The 
teachers  had  been  consistently  planting  the  seed,  and 
watching  over  its  growth  until  the  harvest. 

"  In  order  not  to  disturb  the  effectiveness  of  the  serv- 
ice, after  the  usual  general  exercises  no  late  comers  were 
allowed  to  enter  the  room.  The  teacher  of  the  Adult 
Bible  Class  directed,  with  the  pastor,  the  superintendent, 
and  the  assistant  superintendent  helping.  First  the 
officers,  then  the  teachers,  and  finally  the  scholars  were 
each  asked  to  write  on  a  blank  card  just  how,  in  the 
coming  year,  they  proposed  to  make  their  lives  count  for 
the  Master.  All  who  had  not  previously  publicly  ac- 
cepted Jesus  Christ  were  asked  to  so  indicate,  if  it  was 
their  hearts'  supreme  desire.  With  hardly  an  exception 
every  one  came  out  on  higher  ground.  Emphasis  was 
not  laid  on  joining  the  church,  but  on  joining  themselves 
to  Christ.  Naturally  church  membership  will  follow  at  a 
time  when  such  a  public  confession  will  mean  most  to  the 
scholar. 

"  Taken  all  in  all  it  was  one  of  the  most  impressive  and 


Evangelistic  Days  227 

far-reaching  services  in  spiritual  results  of  anything  at- 
tempted in  our  school  for  some  time." 

Responses  in  Boys'  and  Girls*  Conferences.  The 
*•  Forward  Step  "  is  now  very  largely  used  in  older  boys' 
and  girls'  conferences.  In  these  conferences  nearly  all 
are  professing  Christians,  and  literally  thousands  respond 
with  noble  resolutions.  At  one  such  conference  held  in 
June,  191 5,  five  hundred  boys  were  present,  and  the  fine 
answers  received  and  the  results  accomplished  were  such 
that  the  workers'  hearts  were  filled  with  gratitude  and 
praise.  Some  of  the  actual  answers  given  at  that  time 
were : 

"  God  help  me  to  be  a  better  teacher." 

"  I  want  to  be  a  foreign  missionary." 

"  When  I  get  back  home,  I  want  to  try  teaching  a 

boys'  class." 
'<  I  want  to  become  a  minister." 
"  I  want  to  win  souls  for  Christ." 
"  The  other  day  I  threw  over  a  chance  to  go  to  college, 

but  now  I  have  reconsidered  it  and  I  mean  to  go." 
"  I  expect  to  enter  boys'  work." 
"  God  help  me  to  be  more  to  my  boy  companions." 
"  I  expect  to  become  a  musician  and  an  evangelist." 
"  I  want  to  go  back  and  be  of  real  value  to  my  country 

church." 
"  I  want  to  be  of  more  service  to  my  Sunday  school." 

Folio w-Up  Work.  The  fact  that  everybody  is  taking 
a  forward  step — really  an  upward  step — makes  it  easier 
for  those  who  are  not  Christians  to  take  some  definite 
action  in  the  matter.  As  in  Decision  Day,  the  permanent 
value  is  determined  largely  by  the  work  that  is  done 
afterwards  in  following  up  the  individual  scholars  with  a 
view  to  helping  them.     The  answers  should,  of  course, 


228         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

be  known  only  to  the  pastor,  the  superintendent,  and 
the  teacher  of  the  class. 


PRAYER  DAY 

Every  day  should  be  *'  Prayer  Day  "  in  the  Sunday 
school,  but  this  is  a  day  set  apart  specially  for  more 
prayer  than  usual  for  God's  blessing  upon  the  school. 
The  entire  opening  service  might  be  given  over  to  prayer, 
interspersed  with  the  singing  of  one  verse  at  a  time  of 
some  of  the  sweet  old  hymns. 

Let  the  prayers  be  specific — one  prayer  for  the  Cradle 
Roll,  one  for  the  Home  Department,  one  for  the 
Secondary  Boys  and  Girls,  one  for  the  sick,  and  so  on — 
with  the  understanding  that  no  prayer  is  to  be  over  four 
sentences  long  nor  to  exceed  one  minute  in  length. 
Occasionally  ask  for  a  moment  or  two  of  silent  prayer, 
particularly  for  anybody  who  may  be  sick.  Such  a  day 
appropriately  conducted  will  have  a  good  effect  upon  the 
whole  school. 


FAMILY  ALTAR  DAY 

One  of  the  lamentable  facts  in  the  Christian  life  of  our 
times  is  the  falling  away  from  the  observance  of  the 
family  altar.  There  can  be  no  question  but  that  the 
home  is  the  center  of  the  Christian  life,  or,  at  least,  it 
ought  to  be.  Rehgion  should  reach  high  water  mark 
in  the  home.  The  church  is  the  place  for  its  expression 
in  activity  and  worship,  but  the  fountain  is  in  the  home, 
and  we  look  with  alarm  upon  the  decline  of  the  family 
altar. 

Some  Sunday  schools  are  seeking  to  remedy  this  by 


Evangelistic  Days  229 

calling  attention  occasionally  in  the  opening  service  to 
the  value  of  the  family  altar  and  personal  prayer  in  the 
home.  The  following  outline  was  used  recently  in  the 
Presbyterian  Sunday  School  of  Miami,  Florida,  of  which 
Mr.  Clifton  D.  Benson  is  the  superintendent : 

Suggestions  for  Home  Worship 

Remember  the  form  is  not  so  important  as  the  spirit 
of  devotion  and  worship. 

Begin  the  Day  With  God. — Offer  an  early  morning 
individual  prayer,  a  simple  request  for  guidance  and  help 
during  the  day,  in  school,  play,  home,  work,  business  and 
pleasure. 

"  Give  me  strength  and  guidance  for  the  duties,  trials 
and  pleasures  of  to-day." 

Ask  the  Blessing  of  God  at  Each  Meal. — "  Our  Heav- 
enly Father,  bless  this  food  to  our  use  and  us  to  Thy 
service.     Amen." 

♦'  Our  Heavenly  Father,  satisfy  the  hunger  of  our 
bodies  and  of  our  souls  that  we  may  be  strong  to  do 
Thy  will.     Amen." 

Have  a  short  Scripture  reading  at  the  close  of  break- 
fast.— It  is  usually  better  to  follow  some  definite  course 
of  reading  than  haphazard  selections.  There  are  many 
excellent  selections  of  readings  for  this  purpose.  Any 
book  concern  will  furnish  a  list.  Two  are  mentioned; 
there  are  many  others  : 

"  Daily  Food,"  by  American  Tract  Society,  New  York 
City.  This  is  a  small  book  with  verse  of  Scripture  and 
verse  of  hymn  for  each  day.     The  price  is  likely  small. 

"  Morning  Prayers  for  Home  Worship,"  by  George 
Skene,  published  by  Methodist  Book  Concern,  New 
York  City.     This  is  a  larger  volume  and  an  excellent 


230        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

one,  containing  a  Scripture  lesson,  a  hymn  and  prayer 
for  each  day.  The  price  is  ;^i.50,  and  it  is  worth  far 
more. 

Cultivate  the  Habit  of  Sile^tt  Prayer  During  the  Day, — 
You  can  say  at  any  time,  "  God,  help  me  to  do  the  proper 
thing,  according  to  Thy  will."  Make  God  your  friend 
and  constant  companion.  Tell  Him  your  sorrows,  your 
joys,  and  your  problems.     He  will  help  you  in  them  all. 

Remember,  this  will  not  keep  you  from  enjoying  life. 
It  will  make  you  enjoy  life.  You  can  work  and  play 
and  enjoy  all  the  more  and,  also,  sorrow  and  endure  the 
better  when  necessary. 

Remember y  your  prayer  may  not  be  granted  the  way 
you  want  it,  but  it  will  be  granted  the  way  that  is  best 
for  you. 

Take  some  time  each  day  to  study  your  Sunday-school 
lesson.  Home  quarterlies  are  furnished  those  who  can- 
not attend  the  school. 

Square  Yourself  With  God  Before  You  Retire  for  the 
Night. 

Note. — The  Family  Altar  League,  with  headquarters  in  the  Lakeside 
Building,  Chicago,  issues  a  monthly  magazine  replete  with  suggestions  and 
material  for  family  worship. 


COMMUNION  DAY 

Of  course,  the  church  has  its  regular  Communion 
services,  and  many  members  of  the  Sunday  school  are 
members  of  the  church  and  will  partake  of  the  Com- 
munion. 

Communion  Sunday  is  really  intended  to  be  observed 
at  the  church  hour,  when  a  special  effort  is  made  to  se- 
cure the  presence  of  the  entire  school,  except  the  smaller 


Evangelistic  Days  231 

children.  The  pastor,  before  serving  the  Communion, 
makes  an  explanation  to  the  school  as  to  its  meaning  and 
how  it  came  to  be  instituted.  Of  course,  only  those  who 
have  the  right  would  be  invited  to  participate,  but  it  would 
be  a  good  thing  for  the  school  to  become  acquainted  with 
this  service  and  its  signification. 


XVI 

CHRISTMAS 

Christmas  is  the  great  festival  day  of  the  year  with- 
out doubt  in  the  majority  of  Sunday  schools.  It  is 
celebrated  in  more  ways  than  any  other  day,  and,  while 
the  aggregate  results  for  good  are  probably  greater  than 
those  obtained  from  the  observance  of  any  other  day, 
great  harm  has  been  done  in  the  name  of  Christmas 
by  the  introduction  of  unworthy  methods  of  celebra- 
tion. Christmas  comes  at  a  time  of  year  that  lends 
itself  to  activities  of  joy,  and  the  difficulty  has  been 
that  the  underlying  motive  of  too  many  celebrations  was 
the  pleasure  of  the  onlookers  rather  than  the  glory  of 
the  King  whose  birthday  was  being  observed.  We  are 
coming,  however,  upon  a  better  day,  indeed  that  day  is 
right  upon  us,  and  more  and  more  the  Sunday  schools 
are  catching  the  true  note  and  learning  to  sing  the  true 
manger  song.  It  is  a  birthday  !  On  this  day  God  gave 
to  us  His  most  precious  Gift.  That  gift,  in  the  person 
of  our  Saviour,  has  taught  us  that  the  way  for  us  to  give 
gifts  to  Him  is  to  give  them  to  His  needy  ones.  He  has 
Himself,  therefore,  marked  out  the  best  way  of  celebrating 
His  birthday.  It  is  by  giving  gifts  in  His  name  that 
others  may  be  made  happy  and  the  Christ-child  hon- 
ored. 

Christmas  Music.  Probably  more  good  music  carries 
the  Christmas  sentiment  than  that  of  any  other  festival 
of  the  church ;  indeed,  there  are  so  many  splendid  de- 

232 


Christmas  233 

scriptive  songs  that  some  Christmas  services  are  built 
around  them. 

The  Bedford  Presbyterian  Sunday  School,  of  Brook- 
lyn, New  York,  of  which  Delavan  L.  Pierson,  editor  of 
The  Missionary  Review  of  the  Worldy  is  superintend- 
ent, used  a  collection  of  songs,  passing  directly  from  one 
to  another,  and  arranging  them  in  such  a  way  as  to  bring 
out  in  chronological  order  the  chief  events  connected 
with  the  birth  of  Christ.     We  give  them  below : 


A  Cycle  of  Christmas  Song 

The  Town,  -  "  O  Little  Town  of  Bethlehem." 
The  Night,  -  -  "  Silent  Night,  Holy  Night." 
The  Star,  -         -         "  There's  a  Beautiful  Star." 

The  Nativity,      -  -  -  "  Joy  to  the  World." 

The  Shepherds,  "  While  Shepherds  W^atched  their 

Flocks  by  Night." 
The  Angels'  Song,  "  Hark  the  Herald  Angels  Sing." 
The  Magi,  -  "  We  Three  Kings  of  Orient  Are." 
The  Presentation,         "  There  is  no  Name  so  Sweet  on 

Earth." 
The  Call  to  Worship,  -  "  Come,  All  ye  Faithful." 
His  Sovereignty,  -         -         **  Jesus  Shall  Reign." 

The  Coronation,  "All  Hail  the  Power  of  Jesus'  Name." 

Other  schools  have  an  evening  of  Christmas  carols  on 
Sunday  night,  or,  possibly,  on  the  Sunday  night  preced- 
ing Christmas.  These  carols,  with  proper  Scripture, 
make  a  delightful  evening.  It  seems  as  if  the  whole 
world  were  a-tingle  with  Christmas  interest  as  the  day 
draws  near,  and  even  those  who  are  not  Christian  people 
welcome  the  Christmas  joy.  In  many  places  bands  of 
young  people  sing  Christmas  carols  on  Christmas  eve  or 


234        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

very  early  on  Christmas  morning,  passing  up  and  down 
the  streets.  Other  schools  send  groups  of  young  people 
to  the  hospitals  to  sing  Christmas  carols  there.  Wher- 
ever they  go,  they  are  always  welcome. 

Decorations.  Christmas  centers  about  the  home  and 
the  church,  and  a  Sunday  school  or  church  without 
Christmas  festivities  would  be  hard  to  find.  Decorations 
are  most  appropriate  and  plentiful.  Smilax,  laurel,  and 
other  greens,  holly  with  its  geometric  leaves  and  red 
berries,  crepe  paper  of  various  colors  and  designs,  bells, 
pop-corn,  diamond  dust  and  tinsel — all  these  are  right  at 
hand,  and  it  is  not  difficult  to  get  a  committee  to  place 
them  in  appropriate  shape.  There  is  no  more  beautiful 
decoration  than  a  Christmas  tree,  or  a  number  of  small 
trees  ranging  from  four  to  six  feet  in  height,  especially 
when  decorated  with  the  colored  electric  lights.  Some- 
times the  trees  are  covered  with  cotton  or  other  white 
material  and  sprinkled  with  diamond  dust,  to  look  Hke 
snow. 

The  Giving  Christmas.  Santa  Claus  has  a  big  place 
in  the  hearts  of  little  children,  but,  ordinarily,  it  is  better 
to  have  the  Santa  Claus,  chimney,  etc.,  at  home  than  in 
the  church.  The  swinging  away  from  this  kind  of 
Christmas  is  a  hopeful  sign  of  improvement,  and  the 
children  enjoy  the  Giving  Christmas,  if  carried  on  in  the 
right  manner,  even  better.  The  world  needs  to  be 
brought  back  to  the  simple  Christmas  message,  and  the 
best  education  we  can  give  our  scholars  along  the  line 
of  giving  is  at  Christmas  time.  The  giving  of  gifts  to 
the  scholars  themselves,  particularly  gifts  of  value,  is  not 
a  good  practice.  For  one  thing,  it  is  very  expensive  un- 
less the  gifts  are  so  trifling  that  they  are  not  prized. 
The  public  giving  of  individual  gifts  at  a  Sunday-school 


Christmas  235 

celebration  is  altogether  wrong.  Some  children  will  get 
very  fine  gifts,  while  others  will  get  none.  It  is  remark- 
able how  the  Giving  Christmas  has  grown  in  favor.  The 
Marion  Lawrance  School,  Toledo,  Ohio,  has  employed 
this  method  for  a  quarter  of  a  century.  A  picture  show- 
ing the  platform  at  one  of  these  services  is  inserted,  also 
one  showing  a  Giving  Christmas  in  the  Methodist  Sun- 
day School  of  Somerville,  Massachusetts,  of  which  Mr. 
Charles  W.  Howard  is  the  superintendent. 

Tin-Can  Giving.  One  of  the  first  Giving  Christmas 
Services  in  the  Marion  Lawrance  School  was  designated 
by  the  homely  name  of  "  Tin-Can  Religion,"  and  the 
gifts  brought  were  for  the  most  part  canned  and  in  tin ; 
the  bringing  of  glass  was  prohibited  because  of  probable 
breakage.  Over  six  hundred  cans  of  beans,  peas,  succo- 
tash, etc.,  were  brought  by  the  members,  and  artistically 
arranged  upon  the  platform  by  some  grocery  clerks  be- 
longing to  the  school.  Then,  all  sorts  of  eatables,  articles 
to  wear,  books  and  toys  began  to  find  a  place  in  the  giv- 
ing, and  the  platform  would  be  loaded  with  bag  after  bag 
of  potatoes,  flour,  apples,  etc.,  together  with  shoes,  stock- 
ings, mittens,  toys  and  candy  to  gladden  the  hearts  of 
some  poor  children. 

Bags.  Some  schools,  before  Christmas,  give  out  paper 
bags  of  various  sizes,  with  the  name  of  the  school  printed 
upon  them  and  directions  as  to  their  use.  The  members 
are  to  return  these  bags,  containing  their  gifts,  at  the 
Christmas  entertainment.  Sometimes  things  may  be 
brought  which  create  a  good  deal  of  merriment,  such  as 
live  poultry  in  coops,  whole  dressed  pigs,  etc.;  these  it 
would  probably  be  well  to  omit  from  the  gifts  brought  to 
the  church. 

Dinner  Baskets.     One  of  the  most  popular  things  for 


236        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

a  class  to  do  is  to  prepare  a  basket  with  a  Christmas  din- 
ner for  some  poor  family.  This  basket  would  contain  a 
turkey  or  chicken,  bread,  potatoes,  flour,  cranberries, 
celery,  etc.  It  is  better  for  a  class  to  select  its  own 
beneficiary,  reporting  the  name  in  advance  so  that  there 
may  be  no  duplication.  Then,  the  members  of  the  class 
have  the  great  honor  and  joy  of  carrying  their  gifts  to 
the  family,  and  receiving  their  blessing. 

Admission  Ticket.  It  is  not  uncommon  to  require  a 
ticket  of  admission  to  the  Christmas  entertainment,  con- 
sisting of  an  apple  or  a  potato  or  sometimes  both.  Often 
there  are  barrels  of  these  tickets,  and  they  are  sent  to 
some  institution,  such  as  the  Children's  Home,  the  Day 
Nursery,  or  similar  organization.  Some  schools  retain 
the  same  beneficiary  year  after  year,  and  in  this  way  the 
interest  is  increased. 

Dollar  Bills.  The  giving  of  money  in  connection 
with  the  gifts  is  also  growing  in  popularity.  In  many 
cases  the  money  is  brought  in  new  one  dollar  bills. 
The  treasurer  of  the  school  provides  himself  with  some 
new  bills  so  that  he  may  be  able  to  change  any  old  bills 
that  may  be  brought  for  the  new  ones.  These  are 
pinned  together  and  strung  across  the  room  on  ribbons. 
Sometimes  there  will  be  fifty  bills,  sometimes  four  hun- 
dred, or  even  more.  One  Sunday  school  reported  last 
year  over  thirteen  hundred  dollars  in  its  Giving  Service, 
about  two-thirds  of  which  was  money.  Three  hundred 
and  seventy-five  one  dollar  bills  are  displayed  in  the  pic- 
ture shown  of  "  A  Giving  Christmas  "  in  the  Bridgeton, 
New  Jersey,  School  of  which  Mr.  John  O.  Spencer  is  the 
superintendent.  In  this  case  the  bills  were  pinned  to  a 
Christmas  tree. 

To  encourage  and  increase  the  giving  of  money,  some 


Christmas  237 

schools  provide  money  boxes  on  Rally  Day  or  at  least 
several  weeks  or  months  before  Christmas,  and  have  the 
children  gather  the  money  during  the  intervening  time. 
Explanation  is  made  on  the  box  as  to  the  use  of  the 
money. 

The  White  Christmas.  The  Giving  Christmas  has 
been  beautifully  worked  out  by  Mrs.  Phebe  A.  Curtiss 
in  her  little  booklet,  entitled  "  White  Gifts  for  the  King." 
This  is  built  upon  the  story  of  the  great  king,  Kublah 
Khan,  who  lived  in  a  strange  country  called  Cathay. 
The  king's  birthday  was  observed  in  the  royal  palace,  in 
a  great  white  room,  and  the  king  and  all  his  court  as- 
sembled there,  dressed  in  white.  The  decorations  were 
white — flowers,  walls,  draperies,  and  everything.  All  of 
the  subjects  brought  gifts  to  the  king,  and  the  gifts  were 
white.  The  richer  gifts  were  made  of  pearl  or  ivory. 
Some  brought  white  horses.  The  poor  could  bring  a 
white  bird  or  even  a  handful  of  rice.  It  mattered  not 
what  the  gift  was  so  long  as  it  was  white.  '*  The  White 
Christmas  "  is  now  known  throughout  the  country,  and 
has  done  much  to  popularize  the  idea  of  giving  at  Christ- 
mas time.  Packages  that  are  not  white  may  be  wrapped 
in  white  paper. 

The  Giving  of  Self.  The  best  part  of  the  Giving 
Christmas,  however,  is  not  the  giving  of  gifts,  but  the 
giving  of  service  and,  better  still,  the  giving  of  self.  One 
school  had  printed  pledge  cards.  The  first  pledge  was 
for  those  not  already  pledged  to  Christ's  service,  and 
read  :  "  '  For  God  so  loved  the  world  that  He  gave.'  As 
my  White  Gift  for  our  King's  birthday  I  hereby  ofifer 
first  of  all  myself,  and  I  this  day  accept  Jesus  Christ  as 
my  Saviour  and  give  myself  wholly  to  Him."  The  sec- 
ond, for  those  already  Christians,  read :  "  As  a  Christian 


238        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

I  this  day  renew  my  consecration  to  Christ."  There 
were  also  pledges  of  service  and  substance.  When  the 
cards  were  signed,  they  were  placed  with  the  offering 
in  white  envelopes  furnished  each  class ;  then,  as  the 
classes  were  called,  these  envelopes  were  dropped  in 
a  white  box  at  the  foot  of  a  large  white  cross  on  the 
platform. 

The  Broad  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  of  Columbus, 
reported  that  last  year  one  hundred  and  six  gave  them- 
selves to  the  King,  eighty-four  renewed  their  consecra- 
tion to  God,  seven  hundred  and  twenty-six  pledges  for 
service  were  made  in  the  church,  and  four  hundred  and 
forty-nine  in  the  Sunday  school,  making  a  total  of  thir- 
teen hundred  and  sixty-five  pledges  of  all  kinds.  Then 
there  were  nearly  four  hundred  dollars'  worth  of  food 
and  other  things  and  about  seven  hundred  dollars  in 
money.  From  this  it  will  be  seen  how  very  valuable  and 
popular  the  "  White  Christmas  "  has  come  to  be. 

Variety  of  Gifts.  As  an  indication  of  the  wide  range 
of  gifts,  a  list  is  supplied  of  those  given  one  year  by  a 
Sunday  school  in  Brooklyn,  each  gift  mentioned  being 
supplied  by  a  class : 

Primary  Department : 

Books  and  Toys  to  Atlantic  Avenue  Mission  and 

Missions  in  India. 
Cash  for  the  new  Church  Building. 

Junior  Department : 

Crackers  to  City  Missions. 

Toys  to  Children's  Hospital. 

Cash  to  Indian  Mission  in  Tucson,  Arizona. 

Christmas  Dinner. 

Toys  and  Dolls  to  Chinese  Mission. 


Christmas  239 

Toys  and  Clothing. 

Christmas  Tree  and  Dinner. 

Christmas  Tree  and  Dinner. 

Christmas  Dinner. 

Rice  to  Howard  Orphan  Asylum, 

Soups. 

Soups. 

Cash  to  City  Missions. 

Dolls  to  Children  in  Hospital. 

Stockings  filled  with  Toys  to  City  Missions. 

Cash  to  Missions  in  India. 

Intermediate  Department  : 

Candy  to  Children  on  Ellis  Island. 

Candy  to  Children  on  Ellis  Island. 

Christmas  Tree  to  Children  in  Hospital. 

Dolls  and  Clothing  to  Children  in  Orphan  Asylum. 

Toys. 

Toys. 

Toys  in  Stockings,  through  City  Missions. 

Christmas  Dinner,  Toys  and  Clothing,  through  City 

Missions. 
Toys  and  Gifts  to  American  Volunteers. 
Coal  to  City  Missions. 
Potatoes. 
Cash   to   Bedford   Branch   Y.  M.   C.   A.   Building 

Fund. 
Cash  to  Missions  in  India. 
Cash  to  Missions  in  India. 
Christmas  Dinner. 

Senior  Department : 

Support  Native  Preacher  in  India  for  Half  Year. 
Christmas  Dinner,  Tree  and  Gifts. 
Stockings  filled  for  Mothers. 
Comfortables. 

Hospital  Supplies  to  Woman's  Branch  of  City  Mis- 
sions. 


240        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Cash  to  Missions  in  India. 

Flour. 

Books  and  Magazines  for  Hospital. 

Toys. 

Adult  Department : 

Paid  for  printing  the  music  for  "  America  "  for  use 

on  Ellis  Island. 
Barrel  of  Flour. 
Decorated  Room  in  Summer  Vacation  Home  for 

Girls. 

The  Money  Given.  It  would  be  a  mistake  to  under- 
take to  raise  money  at  Christmas  time  for  the  school  it- 
self. Let  all  the  giving  at  Christmas  be  bestowed  upon 
God's  needy  ones. 

Various  devices  are  used  on  the  platform,  and  there  is 
no  end  to  the  possibilities  in  this  direction.  One  school 
built  a  sailing  ship,  another  a  lighthouse,  another  a  great 
white  cross  fifteen  feet  in  height  and  properly  illuminated. 
Another  school  represented  a  poor  family  in  tableau ;  an 
angel  appeared,  defined  the  needs  of  the  family,  passed 
down  the  aisle  to  a  class,  and  the  class  brought  up  the 
things  that  were  needed. 

During  the  carrying  up  of  the  gifts,  it  is  well  to  have 
the  orchestra  playing.  Where  this  cannot  be  arranged 
for,  appropriate  selections  may  be  given  on  the  piano  or 
the  Victrola.  It  will  greatly  increase  the  amount  of  money 
given,  if  it  is  known  beforehand  just  how  it  is  to  be  used. 
On  this  account,  a  committee  should  give  the  matter  very 
careful  attention,  and  the  school  itself  or  the  proper  au- 
thorities should  decide  as  to  the  giving  of  the  money. 
The  furnishing  of  a  bed  in  a  hospital,  sending  money  to 
various  institutions,  such  as  the  Day  Nursery,  Boys' 
Home,  Door  of  Hope,  and  similar  places  are  much  in 


Christmas  241 

favor.  A  very  popular  thing  these  days  is  the  piecing 
out  of  the  money  needed  by  a  boy  or  girl  for  schooling, 
or  the  giving  to  them  of,  say,  twenty-five  dollars  a  year 
to  add  to  what  they  have ;  or  the  rent  of  a  poor  family 
may  be  paid. 

Christmas  Tree  in  the  Fall.  Some  schools  are  set  to 
work  long  in  advance  making  things  for  a  poor  school  on 
the  frontier  or  in  the  South,  possibly  a  Negro  school. 
The  children  can  dress  dolls  for  the  girls,  make  picture 
books,  etc.;  and  things  that  cannot  be  made  can  be 
bought.  Then  the  plan  is  to  have  a  Christmas  tree  in 
the  fall,  a  month  or  so  before  Christmas,  with  all  of  these 
things  displayed.  Suitable  exercises  are  held,  and  then 
the  things  are  packed  and  sent  to  the  mission  school  in 
time  for  them  to  have  a  real  Christmas  tree  of  their  own 
with  these  gifts.  This  is  a  beautiful  custom  used  by  a 
school  in  Yonkers,  New  York,  and,  probably,  by  others. 

Tableaux  and  Songs.  A  very  pretty  concert  was  given 
in  Seaford,  Delaware,  consisting  of  tableaux  and  songs. 
The  first  song  was  "  Silent  Night."  Then  came  a  tableau 
of  the  shepherds  watching  their  flocks,  and  as  the  congre- 
gation looked  upon  this,  they  sang  "  While  Shepherds 
Watched  their  Flocks  by  Night."  Then  came  a  tableau 
of  the  angel-choir,  and  the  congregation  sang  "  It  Came 
upon  the  Midnight  Clear."  Then  the  manger  scene  was 
given  in  tableau  by  children,  and  the  children  sang 
"  Away  in  a  Manger,  no  Crib  for  a  Bed,"  and  the  wise 
men  came  with  their  gifts  and  sang  "  We  three  Kings 
from  the  Orient  are."  The  choir  chanted  "  O  little  Town 
of  Bethlehem,"  and  the  Christmas  Story  from  the  second 
chapter  of  Luke  was  given  by  the  Juniors.  Just  before 
the  giving  of  gifts,  Alden's  Christmas  story  of  "  Why  the 
Chimes  Rang  "  was  told.     "  Joy  to  the  World  "  was  sung 


242         Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

by  everybody  before  separating.  It  was  a  beautiful  and 
dignified  service. 

A  City's  Celebration.  Miss  Josephine  Page  Wright, 
Point  Loma,  California,  told  recently  in  the  Sunday  School 
Times  of  a  Christmas  morning  in  San  Diego  when  the 
city  gathered  about  a  giant  fir  tree  in  the  center  of  "  old 
town  park"  to  offer  its  gifts  of  joyous  praise  and  loving 
service.  For  days  previous,  committees  of  business  men 
and  representative  women  had  been  busy  receiving  and 
arranging  the  donations  which  came  from  every  church 
and  organization  in  the  community.  The  result  seemed 
beyond  belief,  for  with  cooperation  came  an  enthusiasm 
which  threatened  the  very  existence  of  poverty  and  suf- 
fering. The  tree  was  trimmed,  and  about  it  gathered  the 
choirs  of  many  of  the  churches,  singing  with  voices  trem- 
ulous with  feeling.  Hundreds  and  thousands  came  to 
join  in  the  simple  services  and  to  add  some  gift  to  the 
bags  or  boxes  already  bursting  with  good  things.  They 
listened  to  the  songs  of  the  choirs,  sometimes  adding  their 
own  voices  to  well-remembered  strains;  they  listened 
with  reverence  to  the  prayers  and  words  of  the  speakers, 
and  it  was  the  very  merriest  Christmas  the  city  had  ever 
known. 

A  Christmas  Pageant  entitled  "  Bethlehem,"  published 
by  the  David  C.  Cook  Company,  Elgin,  lUinois,  has  been 
largely  used  with  good  effect.  Another  Pageant,  com- 
piled by  Mr.  E.  C.  Knapp,  Spokane,  Washington,  is 
given  in  full : 


Christmas  243 


A  Christmas  Pageant 

Note — With  one  or  two  exceptions,  all  of  the  music  used  in  this  program 
is  found  in  "  Hymns  of  Worship  and  Service  for  the  Sunday 
School."     (Shepherds'  Recitations  from  Ladies^  Home  Journal^ 


Scene  I. 

Prelude,  "  Holy  Night  "  (Room  Darkened). 
Hidden  Choir  Sings— (Holy  Night). 

Holy  night,  silent  night,  Thro'  the  darkness  beams  a  light, 
Yonder  where  they  sweet  vigils  keep.  O'er  the  Babe  who  in  silent 
sleep, 

Rests  in  heavenly  peace. 

Three  Shepherds  (Boys)  enter  and  lie  down. 
Shepherds  Recite  in  Unison — 

We  are  shepherds,  humble  shepherds.  And  our  watch  we  keep. 
Guard  us  all  both  great  and  small,  Maker  of  the  sheep. 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— (Holy  Night). 

Silent  night,  holiest  night,  Wondrous  Star,  O  lend  thy  light, 
With  the  angels  let  us  sing.  Alleluia  to  our  King, 
Jesus,  our  Saviour,  is  here. 

Ist  Shepherd  Recites— 

How  silent  is  the  night,  The  flocks  are  wondrous  still, 
Whence  comes  the  dawning  light,  Upon  the  holy  hill  ? 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— (Holy  Night). 

Silent  night,  holiest  night.  Darkness  flies  and  all  is  light, 
Shepherds,  hear  the  angels  sing,  Alleluia  !  hail  the  King, 
Jesus,  the  Saviour,  is  here. 

2d  Shepherd  Recites— 

I  see  it  not,  but  hear.  Afar  in  distance  dim, 
As  from  a  foreign  sphere,  A  triumph  hymn. 


244        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Hidden  Choir  Sings — (Antioch). 

Joy  to  the  world ;  the  Lord  is  come  !     Let  earth  receive  her  King. 
Let  every  heart  prepare  Him  room,  And  heaven  and  nature  sing. 

3d  Shepherd  Recites — 

I  see  !     I  hear  !     I  know  1     Awake  !     Oh  earth  arise, 
God  hath  His  will  to  show,  Behold  His  skies. 

Hidden  Choir  Sings — (Christmas). 

While  shepherds  watched  their  flocks  by  night,  All  seated  on  the 

ground, 
The  angel  of  the  Lord  came  down,  And  glory  shone  around. 

Angel  Appears  and  Sings — 

Glad  tidings  of  great  joy  I  bring.  To  you  and  all  mankind. 
For  in  the  town  of  Bethlehem,  A  Saviour  ye  shall  find. 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— 

Thus  spake  the  angel,  and  forthwith.  Appeared  a  shining  throng 
Of  angels  praising  God  who  thus.  Addressed  their  joyful  song. 

Girls  in  White  Appear  and  Sing — 

All  glory  be  to  God  on  high.  And  to  the  earth  be  peace, 
Good-will  henceforth  from  heaven  to  men.  Begin  and  never  cease. 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— (Carol). 

It  came  upon  the  midnight  clear,  That  glorious  song  of  old, 
From  angels  bending  near  the  earth.  To  touch  their  harps  of  gold ; 
Peace  on  the   earth,  good-will  to  men,  From   Heav'n's  all-gracious 

King, 
The  world  in  solemn  stillness  lay.  To  hear  the  angels  sing. 

(Pianist  plays  "  Holy  Night  "  as  Angels  leave  platform.) 


Scene  II. 

Prelude,  «  Holy  Night." 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— (Mendelssohn). 

Hark !  the  herald  angels  sing,  "  Glory  to  the  new-born  King ; 
Peace  on  earth  and  mercy  mild,  God  and  sinners  reconciled." 
Joyful  all  ye  nations  rise,  Join  the  triumph  of  the  skies  ; 
With  angelic  host  proclaim,  "  Christ  is  born  in  Bethlehem." 
Hark  !  the  herald  angels  sing,  "  Glory  to  the  new-born  King." 


Christmas  245 

Ut  Shepherd  Says- 
Mine  eyes  have  seen  an  angel's  face,  Lit  with  the  glow  of  heaven's 

grace, 
The  skies  must  ever  brighter  be,  Since  angels  gave  this  ministry. 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— (Regent  Square). 

Angels  from  the  realms  of  glory,  Wing  your  flight  o'er  all  the  earth. 
Ye  who  sang  creation's  story,  Now  proclaim  Messiah's  birth. 
Come  and  worship.  Come  and  worship,  Worship  Christ,  the  new- 
born King. 

2d  Shepherd  Says- 
Mine  ears  the  angels'  song  have  heard,  Never  shall  I  forget  their 

word. 
That  song  shall  echo  thro'  all  time,  Holy,  eternal  and  sublime. 

Hidden  Choir  Sings — (Regent  Square). 

Shepherds  in  the  fields  abiding,  Watching  o'er  your  flocks  by  night, 
God  with  man  is  now  residing,  Yonder  shines  the  infant  light. 
Come  and  worship.  Come  and  worship,  Worship  Christ,  the  new-born 
King. 

3d  Shepherd  Says- 
Let  us  now  go  even  unto  Bethlehem  and  see  this  thing  which  is 
come  to  pass,  which  the  Lord  hath  made  known  unto  us. 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— (Adeste  Fideles). 

O  come,  all  ye  faithful,  Joyful  and  triumphant, 

O  come  ye,  O  come  ye  to  Bethlehem  ;  Come  and  behold  Him 

Born  the  King  of  angels,  O  come  let  us  adore  Him,  Christ,  the  Lord. 

(Pianist  plays  "  Holy  Night "  and  Shepherds  leave  the  platform.) 

Scene  III. 

Prelude,  «  Holy  Night." 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— (St.  Louis). 

O  little  town  of  Bethlehem,  How  still  we  see  thee  lie. 
Above  thy  deep  and  dreamless  sleep,  The  silent  stars  go  by ; 
Yet  in  thy  dark  streets  shineth.  The  everlasting  light, 
The  hopes  and  fears  of  all  the  years.  Are  met  in  thee  to-night. 


246        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Young  Lady  at  Manger  sings — 

Away  in  a  manger,  no  crib  for  a  bed, 

The  little  Lord  Jesus  laid  down  His  sweet  head. 

The  stars  in  the  bright  sky  looked  down  where  He  lay. 

The  little  Lord  Jesus  asleep  on  the  hay. 

Shepherds  Enter  and  Kneel  Before  the  Manger. 
Hidden  Choir  Sings— (Nazareth). 

Chorus — Tho'  poor  be  the  chamber,  Come  here,  come  and  adore  ; 
Lo  !  the  Lord  of  Heaven,  Hath  to  mortals  given, 
Life  for  evermore. 

Soto —         Shepherds  who  folded  your  flocks  beside  you, 

Tell  what  was  told  by  angel  voices  near. 

To  you  this  night  is  born  He  who  will  guide  you 

Thro'  paths  of  peace  to  living  waters  clear. 
Repeat  Chorus. 
Shepherds  Sing— (Margaret). 

Thou  didst  leave  Thy  throne  and  Thy  kingly  crown, 
When  Thou  earnest  to  earth  for  me  ; 
But  in  Bethlehem's  home  there  was  found  no  room 
For  Thy  holy  nativity.     Oh,  come  lo  my  heart,  Lord  Jesus, 
There  is  room  in  my  heart  for  Thee  I 

Heaven's  arches  rang  when  the  angels  sang. 
Proclaiming  Thy  royal  degree  ; 
But  in  lowly  birth  didst  Thou  come  to  earth, 
And  in  great  humility.     Oh,  come  to  my  heart.  Lord  Jesus, 
There  is  room  in  my  heart  for  Thee  ! 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— (St.  Louis). 

O  Holy  Child  of  Bethlehem,  Descend  to  us  we  pray. 
Cast  out  our  sin  and  enter  in,  Be  born  in  us  to-day. 
We  hear  the  Christmas  angels,  The  great,  glad  tidings  tell ; 
O  come  to  us,  abide  with  us,  Our  Lord  Emmanuel. 
(Pianist  plays  "  Holy  Night "  while  Shepherds  leave  platform.) 

Scene  IV. 
Prelude—"  Holy  Night." 

Solo—     Silent  night,  holiest  night,  Guiding  Star,  O  lend  thy  light. 

See  the  Eastern  wise  men  bring,  Gifts  and  homage  to  our  King; 
Jesus,  the  Saviour,  is  here. 


Christmas  247 

fllddea  Choir  Sings— (Epiphany). 

There  came  three  kings,  ere  break  of  day,  All  on  Epiphany  ; 

Their  gifts  they  bare,  both  rich  and  rare,  All,  all,  Lord  Christ,  for 

Thee. 
Gold,  frankincense  and  myrrh  are  there.  Where  is  the  King  ?     O 
where  ?     O  where  ? 

O  where  is  the  King  ?     O  where  ? 

Three  Kings  (Boys)  Enter  and  Sing  in  Unison — (Morning  Star). 

We  three  kings  of  Orient  are  ;  Bearing  gifts  we  travel  afar, 
Field  and  fountain,  moor  and  mountain.  Following  yonder  star. 

Chorus — O  star  of  wonder,  star  of  night,  Star  with  royal  beauty  bright. 

Westward  leading,  still  proceeding,  Guide  us  to  thy  perfect  light. 

1st  King  Sings- 
Born  a  King  on  Bethlehem  plain,  Gold  I  bring  to  crown  Him  again, 
King  forever,  ceasing  never,  Over  us  all  to  reign. 
(All  on  Chorus.) 

2d  King  Sings- 
Frankincense  to  offer  have  I ;  Incense  owns  a  Deity  nigh ; 
Prayer  and  praising  all  men  r  .ising,  Worship  Him,  God  on  high. 
(All  on  Chorus.) 

dd  King  Sings — 

Myrrh  is  mine  ;  its  bitter  perfume,  Breathes  a  life  of  gathering  gloom  ; 
Sorrowing,  sighing,  bleeding,  dying.  Sealed  in  the  stone-cold  tomb. 
(All  on  Chorus.) 

Hidden  Choir  Sings — (Regent  Square). 

Sages  leave  your  contemplations.  Brighter  visions  beam  afar ; 
Seek  the  great  Desire  of  nations.  Ye  have  seen  His  natal  star. 
Come  and  worship.  Come  and  worship,  Worship  Christ  the  new-born 
King. 

Kings  Kneel  Before  the  Manger. 
Solo — (Epiphany). 

An  old  man  knelt  at  a  manger  low,  A  Babe  lay  in  the  stall, 
The  starlight  play'd  on  the  Infant  brow,  Deep  silence  lay  over  all ; 
A  maiden  bent  o'er  the  Babe  in  prayer.  There  is  the  King !     O 
there  !     O  there  ! 

O  there  is  the  King  !     O  there  I 


248        Special  Days  in  the  Sunday  School 

Hidden  Choir  Sings— (Dix). 

As  with  gladness  men  of  old,  Did  the  guiding  star  behold, 

As  with  joy  they  hailed  its  light,  Leading  onward,  beaming  bright, 

So  most  gracious  Lord,  may  we,  Ever  more  be  led  by  Thee. 

As  they  offered  gifts  most  rare,  At  the  manger  rude  and  bare. 

So  may  we  with  holy  joy,  Pure  and  free  from  sin's  alloy 

All  our  costliest  treasures  bring,  Christ  to  Thee  our  Heavenly  King. 

Kings  Sing — 

Holy  Jesus,  every  day.  Keep  us  in  the  narrow  way. 

And  when  earthly  things  are  past.  Bring  our  ransomed  souls  at  last 

Where  they  need  no  star  to  guide,  Where  no  clouds  Thy  glory  hide. 

(Pianist  plays  "  Holy  Night  "  as  Kings  leave  the  platform.) 

All  that  has  been  mentioned  is  but  suggestive.  The 
Christmas  story  in  Scripture  words  should,  of  course,  be 
a  part  of  every  service.  The  very  idea  of  helping  folks 
at  once  reveals  so  many  possibilities  as  to  methods  that 
scarcely  any  assistance  is  needed  to  start  the  plan-working 
machinery  that  is  always  in  good  working  order  in  any 
school.  To  get  the  most  out  of  Christmas,  build  the 
whole  service  around  "  The  Christ "  and  the  great  lesson 
of  His  life,  to  help  those  who  need  help  and  to  do  it  in 
His  Name. 


Index 


Acknowledgment  Day,  215 
Adult  Bible  Class  Day,  48 
All-To-Gether  Sunday,  107 
Alumni  Day,  144 
Anniversary  Day,  79 
Anniversary  of  Decision  Day,  223 
Anti-Cigarette  Day,  183 
Anti-Saloon  Day,  182 

Baby  Day,  31 

Banner  Class  Day,  109 

Baptist  Young  People's  Union  Day, 

151 
Beginners'  Day,  39 
Benevolence  Day,  176 
Bible  Day,  159 
Big  Walk  Day,  135 
Bird  Sunday,  211 
Birthday  Sunday,  118 
Book  Day,  160 
Boy  Scout  Day,  46 
Bring  One  Day,  1 10 

Calling  Day,  200 

Candle  Day,  203 

Children's  Day,    90 

Christian  Endeavor  Day,  150 

Church  Day,  123 

City  Beautiful  Day,  190 

City  Institute  Day,  157 

College  Day,  155 

Communion  Day,  230 

Community  Institute  Day,  157 

Community  Training  School  Day, 

^  '57 

Confession  Day,  215 

Convention  Sunday,  ie8 

Cradle  Roll  Day,  31 

Day-School  Day,  156 
Decision  Day,  215 
Declaration  Day,  215 
Decoration  Day,  140 
Dedication  Day,  205 


Dominion  Day,  137 
Double-Up  Day,  1 10 

Easter  Sunday,  19 
Echo  Sunday,  158 
Education  Day,  154 
Enlistment  Day,  215 
Epworth  League  Day,  151 
Equipment  Day,  161 
Every  Member  Present  Day,  107 
Exhibit  Day,  160 

Family  Altar  Day,  228 

Farewell  Sunday,  147 

Father-and-Son  Sunday,  62 

Father's  Day,  58 

Field  Day,  128 

Five  Hundred  Day,  iii 

Flag  Day,  137 

Flower  Day,  195 

Foreign  Missionary  Day,  174 

Forward  Step  Day,  224 

Freedmen's  Day,  175 

Fresh- Air  Sunday,  191 

Full  Attendance  Day,  1 10 

Get-One  Day,  i  10 
Girl  Scout  Day,  48 
Go  Forward  Day,  202 
Go-Get-'Em  Day,  1 10 
Good  Citizenship  Day,  139 
Go-To-Church  Day,  115 
Go-To-Sunday-School  Day,  1 14 
Governors'  Day,  2U 

Harvest  Home  Day,  91 

Heart  Day,  124 

Home  Coming  Day,  145 

Home  Day,  204 

Home  Department  Day,  64 

Home  Missionary  Day.  174 

Honor  Day,  162 

Hospital  Day,  192 


249 


250 


Index 


Immigration  Day,  175 
Independence  Day,  137 
Inspection  Day,  163 
Installation  Day,  93 
Intermediate  Department  Day,  42 
International  Sunday  School  Asso- 
ciation Day,  152 
Inventory  Day,  164 

Junior  Department  Day,  41 

Labor  Day,  102 
Lee's  Birthday,  143 
Lincoln's  Birthday,  142 
Lord's  Day  Sunday,  209 

May  Day,  134 
Memorial  Day,  140 
Men's  Day,  62 
Missionary  Day,  171 
Mother's  Day,  49 
Music  Day,  120 

National  Child  Labor  Day,  187 
Neighbor  Day,  ill 
New  Members'  Day,  113 
Newspaper  Day,  200 
New  Testament  Day,  193 
New  Year's  Day,  103 

Officers'  Day,  65 
Old  Carol  Day,  120 
Old  Folks'  Day,  63 
Old  People's  Day,  63 
Old  Year  Day,  103 
On  Time  Day,  201 
Organized    Sunday  School  Work 
Day,  152 

Palm  Sunday,  29 
Parade  Day,  135 
Parents'  Day,  61 
Pastor's  Day,  147 
Patriotic  Day,  137 
Peace  Day,  140 
Pennant  Day,  122 
Picnic  Day,  128 
Picture  Day,  202 
Pledge  Day,  176 
Post-Card  Day,  193 


Prayer  Day,  228 

Primary  Department  Day,  4I 

Promotion  Day,  165 

Reception  Day,  113 
Red  Letter  Day,  203 
Registration  Day,  215 
Reminiscent  Day,  122 
Reunion  Day,  145 
Roll  Call  Day,  112 
Round-Up  Day,  112 

Save-The-Boy  Sunday,  186 
Secondary  Boys'  Day,  42 
Secondary  Girls'  Day,  45 
Shut- Ins'  Day,  146 
Song  Day,  1 21 
Standard  Day,  164 
Star  Class  Day,  109 
Story  Day,  202 
Strangers'  Day,  123 
St.  Valentine's  Day,  124 
Superintendent's  Day,  148 
Surprise  Sunday,  202 
Sweet  Memory  Day,  146 
Swinging  Festival,  134 

Teachers'  Day,  149 
Teacher  Training  Day,  157 
Temperance  Sunday,  178 
Testimony  Day,  215 
Thanksgiving  Day,  91 
Tree  Planting  Day,  191 
Tuberculosis  Day,  19 1 

Visitation  Day,  203 
Visiting  Day,  200 
Visitors'  Day,  119 
Vocation  Day,  156 

Washington's  Birthday,  141 
Welcome  Day,  122 
Witnessing  Day,  215 
World's  Sunday  School  Association 
Day,  152 

Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation Day,  151 

Young  Women's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation Day,  152 


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A  practical  manual  for  all  engaged  in  personal  evangelism. 
Contains  suggestions  for  best  methods  of  enlisting  workers, 
disseminating  literature,  forming  prayer  groups,  etc.  Chief 
of  all  is  the  instruction  it  furnishes  in  the  art  of  what  may 
be  termed  Christian  button-holing — "One  to  Win  One." 

HANDBOOKS  for  PREACHERS  and  TEACHERS 

Tools  for  Preachers  and  Teachers 

Seven  large  octavo  volumes.  Per  set,  7  volumes, 
formerly  $14,  net  $6.00. 

A  practical  working  library  drawn  from  nature,  life  and  the 

Scriptures.  A  store-house  of  information,  useful  for  workers 

in  every  branch  of  Christian  effort. 

I.  Cyclopedia  of  Nature  5.  New  Handbook  of  II  us- 
Teachings.     Introduction  tration.    A  Classified  Ex- 

by  Hugh  Macmillan.  position      of       Scripture 

s.  I^essona  from  I,ife,  Animal  I'ruth  and  Christian  tife 

and    Human.      Introduc-  arranged   for   ready   ref- 

tion  by  Hugh  Macmillan.  erence. 

8.  Tools  for  Teachers:  A  Col-  6.  Handbook  of  Biblical  Diffi- 
lection  of  Anecdotes,  11-  culties  on  Moral  and  Re- 

lustrations  and  Legends,  ligious   Subjects,   by  the 

by  William  Moody.  Rev.   Robert   Tuck,   B.A. 

4.  New  Cyclopedia  of  Illus-  7.  Topics  for  Teachers,  In- 
trative   Anecdote,   Moral  eluding  a  Bible  Diction- 

and   Religious.     A   com-  ary.    Commentary,    Con- 

prehensive  collection,  al-  cordance.     Manual     and 

phabetically         arranged  Text  Book,  all  in  one,  by 

with  detail  index.  Rev.  J,  C.  Gray, 

NEfT  THIN  PAPER  EPITION 

The  Twentieth  Century  NewTestament 

Pocket   Bdition.     Brevier    leaded.     Thin    paper. 

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EDGAR  DeWITT  JONES 

The  Middle  Estate 

Themes  on  life  at  Its  Most  Fruitful  Level.  i2mo, 
cloth,  net  $i.oo. 

A  new  volume  of  addresses  by  the  author  of  THE  INNER 
CIRCLE.  The  keynote  Mr.  Jones  strikes  in  his  title-study 
•which  is  based  on  the  words,  "Find  me  neither  poverty  nor 
riches,"  is  that  happiness,  like  truth,  lies,  usually,  along  a 
middle  course.  Other  subjects  which  Mr.  Jones  discusses  m 
support  of  this  excellent  ideal  are:  "Faith  and  Fortitude, 
"Praiseworthy  Prodigality,"  "Good-Bye  to  Glory,'  The  Min- 
istry of  Meditation,"  "The  Mother  Heart,"  etc,  etc. 

CHARLES  MACFARLAND,  Ph.  D. 

Christian  Service  and  the  Modern  World 

i2mo,  cloth,  net  75c. 

A  volume  of  wide  suggestion  in  which  the  author  pleads 
for  a  larger  moral,  and  a  deeper  spiritual  sense  m  the 
Churches.  This,  he  holds  would  mean  a  lessened  necessity 
for  philanthropy,  seeing  that  all  genuine  economic  reforma- 
tion, must,  of  necessity,  have  its  roots  in  spiritual  impulse. 
A  modern  danger  against  which  warning  is  here  given  is  the 
tendency  to  divorce  social  betterment  from  spiritual  life. 
The  former.  Dr.  Macfarland  contends,  should  always  be  a 
product  of  the  latter,  and  the  Church  its  proper  vehicle  of 
expression. 

A.  H.  McKINNEY,  Ph.  D. 

The  Sunday  School  Teacher  at  His  Best 

i2mo,  cloth,  net  50c. 

"He  who  does  his  best  is  God's  blue  ribbon  man."  Zealous 
for  the  fame  of  Sunday  School  teachers.  Dr.  McKinney  lays 
down  lines  of  suggested  development  in  the  chief  attributes 
of  being  and  working.  Social  tempermental,  ethical,  spiritual 
and  evangelical  aspects  of  progress  are  considered,  rounded 
off  with  a  survey  of  the  finished  product  and  an  estimate  or 
what  may  reasonably  be  expected  from  such  equipment. 

ALBERT  F.  McGARRAH 

A  Modern  Church  Program 

A  Study  in  Efficiency.    i2mo,  cloth,  net  soc. 

Prepared  as  the  result  of  the  wide  experience  of  the  author, 
who  is  a  Church  Efficiency  SpeciaUst,  in  order  to  help 
Churches  study  their  fields  and  forces,  andmake  out  complete, 
effective,  and  reasonable  programs  of  activities  along  all  lines. 
These  activities  embrace  education,  evangelism,  visitation,  so- 
cial service,  missions,  etc.  This  is  not  a  treatise  on  method* 
or  devices,  but  on  church  statesmanship. 


WORK  AMONG  CHILDREN 


MARY  STEWART 

A  King  Among  Men 

Christ's  Summons  to  the  Spirit  of  Youth  to  Found 
His  Kingdom.    i2mo,  cloth,  net  soc. 

The  call  to  arms  echoes  through  the  countries  of  Europe  to- 
day. More  thrilling  than  any  summons  to  battle,  is  the  obliga- 
tion of  the  mothers  and  fathers  and  teachers  to  bring  to  the 
youth  of  our  country  the  sense  of  their  marvellous  responsi- 
bility. As  a  guide  to  such  inspiration  this  book  has  been 
written.  It  does  not  promote  any  special  social  training.  It 
is  simply  some  of  the  stories  of  Jesus,  retold,  and  His  teach- 
ing applied  to  the  great  and  crying  needs  of  to-day. 

HUGH    T.    KERR,    D.D.  Author  of 


^* Children's  Story  Serm»ns" 


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Dr.  Kerr  possesses  the  enviable  knack  of  being  able  to  pre- 
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grossing fashion,  the  story  of  missionary  heroism  becomes  in 
his  capable  hands,  a  realm  of  veritable  romance  in  which  deeds 
of  knightly  valor  are  done  in  the  name  of  the  great  King. 

HARRIET  CHAPELL,   Ph.B. 


The  Church  Vacation  School 

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A  Manual  of  Instruction  for  Church,  Committee  of  Manage- 
ment and  Teaching-staff  alike,  in  all  matters  relating  to  the 
introducing,  founding  and  conducting  a  Vacation  School,  and 
conserving  its  results:  I^argely  the  fruit  of  the  author's  own 
observation  and  practical  experience. 

ANTOINETTE  ABERNETHY  LAMOREAUX 

The  Unfolding  Life 

A  Study  of  Development  with  Reference  to  Reli- 
gious Training.    New  Edition.     i2mo,  cloth,  net  50c. 

An    interpretation    of   some   of   the    fundamental    facts   and 

Krinciples  with  reference  to  religious  training  of  the  child, 
farion  Lawrance  says:  "It  is  logical,  clear  and  forceful, 
without  losing  the  charm  of  simplicity.  It  is  just  what  thou- 
aanda  of  Sunday  School  teachers  and  mothers  have  been  look- 
ing  for  and  will  hail  with  delight." 

HYMN  BOOKS 

P.    B.    TOWNER 

The  Voice  of  Thanksgiving 

Economy  Edition.    $22.50  per  hundred. 

"A  collection  of  standard  hymns  and  tunes  and  responsive 
services,  and  unusually  good  indexes.  There  are  351  hymns 
inthe  book,  and  in  view  of  their  character  and  the  low  price 
this  should  prove  an  exceptionally  valuable  hymn  book  for 
small  churches  which  seek  for  a  single  book  for  use  in  all 
stryices."— Presbyterian  Advance. 


Date  Due 


